The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, is honoured to present “Tradition & Perfection: Paper Cuttings from China & Switzerland”. Paper cuttings have long fascinated viewers with their expressive storytelling and extraordinary precision. For the first time, Swiss paper cuttings from the Wyss Collection (Unterseen, Bern) are being juxtaposed with Chinese paper cuttings from the collection of the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, along with works from the Guangling Paper Cutting Art Museum and the Jieyiyuan Paper Cutting Art Center, Pingyao, both located in Shanxi province. The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the diversity and distinctive cultural identities of this fascinating art form. In 2009, Chinese paper cutting was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To highlight the significance of this craft spanning both cultures, two parallel exhibitions will be held in spring 2026, at the University Museum and Art Gallery and the Kunsthaus Interlaken (22 February–17 May 2026).

The opening of the exhibition was held at UMAG on March 19. Officiating guests included the Deputy Consul General of Switzerland in Hong Kong, Mrs Françoise Killias Zillweger, the collector Mr Christoph Wyss, UMAG Director Dr Florian Knothe and UMAG Exhibition Curator Dr Harald Peter Kraemer.

The exhibition begins with a historical overview of the development of paper cutting in Switzerland and China, then showcases the diversity of works through dialogical and thematic comparisons. We invite you to discover and compare these magnificent works of cultural heritage from Switzerland and China. ...

UMAG is back @artbasel 2026 as a cultural partner for the 3rd year in a row!

This year, we have teamed up with @kwuctioneer Felix Kwok to present the Director Conversation with Felix Kwok: Contemporary Developments in Arts and Culture in the Greater Bay Area at Exchange Circle.

This public talk introduces the ongoing establishment of institutions, such as the Shenzhen Bay Culture Square that introduces an engaging methodology facilitating the learning and appreciating of design. Both art experts discuss the establishment and direction of Design Bay`s new museum, its important collections and future potential to grow into the premier art education site in the Greater Bay Area.

See you at Art Basel Hong Kong!

#artbaselhongkong

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🗣️Speaker: Florian Knothe, Director, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong
🗣️Speaker: Felix Kwok, Chief Creative Officer and Deputy Director, Shenzhen Bay Culture Square
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Director Conversation with Felix Kwok: Contemporary Developments in Arts and Culture in the Greater Bay Area
📅 Saturday, 28 March, 2026
🕕 6:15–7:00 p.m.
📍 Exchange Circle at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026, Level 1 Concourse (near Entrance 1A), Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
🗣️ Language: English
🎟️ Walk-ins only
🔗 For more information, please check the link in bio!
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Upcoming Lecture💬

When Computers Look at Art

David Stork will share his insights on how computer vision and machine learning can improve art authentication and connoisseurship. With his many years of experience, he’ll illustrate how image analysis can help distinguish real artworks from forgeries, discuss the strengths and limitations of AI in assigning art, emphasize the importance of using robust statistical methods, and show how computer-assisted techniques can complement traditional connoisseurship. His talk will also highlight the exciting ways in which art historians and computer scientists can collaborate to create trustworthy, understandable tools for art analysis and authentication.
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🗣️Speaker: David Stork, Adjunct Professor, Stanford University
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[Lecture] When Computers Look at Art

📅 Friday, 20 March, 2026
🕕 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 1/F, Fung Ping Shan Building, UMAG, HKU, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
🗣️ Language: English
🎟️ Registration Required
🔗 For more information, please check the link in bio!
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【Upcoming Exhibition ✂️ 展覽預告】

Paper cuttings have long fascinated viewers with their expressive storytelling and extraordinary precision. For the first time, Swiss paper cuttings from the collection of Interlaken-based collectors Elsbeth and Niklaus Wyss are being juxtaposed with Chinese paper cuttings from the collection of the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, along with works from the Guanling Paper Cutting Art Museum and the Jieyiyuan Paper Cutting Art Center, Pingyao, both located in Shanxi province. The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the diversity and distinctive cultural identities of this fascinating art form. In 2009, Chinese paper cutting was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To highlight the significance of this craft spanning both cultures, two parallel exhibitions will be held in spring 2026, at the University Museum and Art Gallery and the Kunsthaus Interlaken (22 February–17 May 2026).

Swiss paper cuttings are primarily narrative works. From the mid-19th century onwards, they replaced the popular shadow pictures known as silhouettes, with a particular focus on Alpine life. Swiss paper cuttings function as condensed narrative microcosms, each distinguished by striking and subtle variations in their repertoire of figures, forms, and designs. Cut from black paper and arranged largely symmetrically, Swiss paper cuttings feature a wealth of ornamentation and an incredible density of detail that invites viewers to discover and linger. The exhibition will feature works by pioneers such as Johann Jakob Hauswirth and Louis Saugy; traditional cuttings by David Regez and Christian Schwizgebel; and contemporary constructions from Ueli Hofer, Martha Kneusslin, Nelly Naef, Ernst Oppliger, Bruno Weber, and others.

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