Chris Hall@HKPM, Pratchaya Phinthong@Parasite & in the studio:Jon Shen, Nate Wong & Jimmy Pittman
Humans have been collecting objects for centuries, objects as varied as stamps, coins, memorabilia or art. As an activity, collecting combines the thrill of the hunt, nostalgia, sentimental value, the joy of display, the desire for completion, social connection and a sense of community. It can even be a lucrative form of investment. Just ask Chris Hall, who has one of the world’s most extensive collections of Chinese textiles and silks.
Pratchaya Phinthong is a conceptual artist from Thailand whose works examine subjects such as values, labour and exchange in our everyday interactions, and the complex relationships between materiality, culture and economics. “Empty Set” at Para Site, is Phinthong’s first solo institutional exhibition in Hong Kong.
Jon Shen’s mother is a violinist, so it may not be so surprising he began leaning the violin and the piano when he was five. By 13, he became interested in the world of pop music and formed a band. Then, at church, he encountered Blues Gospel, in which he gave his first solo concert at 18. After studying jazz at the Berklee College of music, he’s now a singer, pianist, composer and producer, in a range of musical styles. He’s here, with some faces who’ll be familiar to regular viewers of The Works, to introduce his new jazz album