Masters make their debut in Asia (hktdc.com)


	Modigliani's Portrait of Dedie is among the artworks now on exhibition in Hong Kong, many being shown for the first time in Asia

Fifty eight 20th century masterpieces in the exhibition Artists & their Models from the Centre Pompidou in Paris are wowing crowds in the Hong Kong Museum of Art.

Billed as one of the most valuable exhibits in Hong Kong, the collection of paintings, sculptures and installations are from 51 great artists including Matisse, Chagall, Modigliani, Bachus, and the legendary Picasso. The exhibits - including one of the most recognisable 20th century artworks, Picasso’s 1924 Harlequin - will be on display from September 30 - December 3.

Last year, Picasso's painting Stage Curtain, Parade, was received with great enthusiasm when it was displayed in the IFC Building. This year's exhibition follows hot on the heels of the wildly successful Impression: Treasures from the National Collection of France which attracted more than 284,000 visitors last year.

Centre Pompidou Curator Angela Lampe said: "The Hong Kong Museum of Art is interested in French culture on a large level, so there was an Impression programme here. It was logical to follow up because Centre Pompidou has a collection focused on the 20th century. We had the Impression show from the 19th century and now the 20th century. I think it's a perfect collaboration."

Every effort has been made to help visitors appreciate the works. An education centre appeals to kids of all ages, with a real hands-on approach to guide them. For example on a reproduction of Modigliani's Gaston Modot, visitors can alter the painting using magnets of different lips, eyes, ties and hairstyles.

More than one third of the works on display are in Asia for the first time. Most of the artworks featured in the exhibition are portraits. The exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Leisure & Cultural Services Department, Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong.