Dozens of seagulls have taken up residence at Harbour City! “Seagulls by the Harbour”, a public art installation created by the renowned Japanese artist Takahito Kimura, is now on display along the shoreside of Victoria Harbour at Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City, starting from 15 May 2023. For the first time outside of Japan, Takahito is showcasing his iconic artworks from the Kazamidori (weathercock) Series, which has been part of the world-famous Setouchi International Art Triennale since 2010. The art installation features 60 life-sized seagulls that perch along the coast and freely spin in unison with the sea breeze, bringing a touch of countryside beauty to the bustling cityscape. Not only does it playfully interact with nature, but it also creates the perfect new photo spot by the Victoria Harbour! Visitors can enjoy the picturesque shoreline view of Setouchi brought to Hong Kong for the first time.
Immerse Yourself in Nature and Be Amazed by Ancient Wisdom
Weathervanes imprinted with black-tailed gulls, like seagulls in real life, change their direction in unison with the wind, creating an impressing scene captured from nature. One day, Takahito saw a flock of seagulls perching in the same direction. He realized that birds tend to turn themselves facing the wind to reduce resistance and connected this phenomenon to the shape of weathercocks.
“When you find out the reason, you will be amazed by the level of observation skills in ancient eras. The shape of tools reflects the fruit of human intelligence.” — Takahito Kimura
Specializing in mixed media and performance art, Takahito has created a series of artworks that interacts with the surroundings based on the theme “Playing with the Earth”. His artworks often visualize intangible and intrinsic elements like wind and sunshine, making the invisible visible. Through the Seagulls, he would like to present the power of nature, which he believes to be a universal language, by giving shape to the wind.
Shoreline View of Setouchi Being Brought to Hong Kong For the First Time
The Seagulls installation has been displayed in various exhibitions, including Splish-Splash Fair of Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art and Aichi Triennale. Among which, the Setouchi International Art Triennale has put it in the spotlight. Lining along the seawalls at Megi Island Port, the installation named “Seagulls Parking Lot” has attracted visitors and art lovers to appreciate its creativity and uniqueness. Other famous artworks created by Takahito include Komorebi Project (Star-filled Forest), A Day to Become Cloud, and Gyro for Playing with Earth, all of which explore humans’ relationships with nature in captivating ways.
Get ready to snap Instagrammable photos at this newly launched check-in spot and impress your followers! Don’t forget to take a peaceful moment to feel the sea breeze while enjoying the stunning view of spinning seagull weathervanes by the Victoria Harbour.
“The Seagulls by the Harbour” Public Art Installation
Date: 15 May 2023 onwards
Venue: Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City
About Takahito Kimura
Takahito Kimura, a Japanese artist, demonstrates a series of works under the theme “Playing with the Earth”, transforming the power of Earth and Nature to tangible and experimental installations, which makes his audiences realize the discrepancy between their assumptions and the actual scientifically observed phenomena.
Besides various solo exhibitions, notable art exhibitions include Setouchi International Art Festival, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Aichi Triennale. He holds PhD from Tokyo University of the Arts and graduated from École Supérieure d’Art et de Design de Reims in France.
Instagram: @takahito_kimura
Website: https://www.takahitokimura.com
An Artistic Journey: Wander around Harbour City and Discover the Masterpieces
In addition to Seagulls by the Harbour, Harbour City features an impressive collection of exquisite artworks presented by notable artists from around the world. Embark on a quest to discover the 18 pixelated street works made by the world-famous French artist Invader, including emojis, a mermaid, and a space invader. You will find them scattered throughout the mall, all the way from Canton Road to the Ocean Terminal Deck. For a spiritually uplifting experience, head to L4 at Ocean Centre to view Push Hand, a sculpture from the Taiji Series by the Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming. Just a few steps down from there, you will experience a totally different art style. Jogger. 6. Colored, a playful animated artwork created by the British artist Julian Opie, is displayed on the video wall at the Ocean Terminal Lobby. Start your artistic journey at Harbour City and discover the creativity that awaits you!
