(Hong Kong - August 9, 2021, 11:00 AM) Following his 2020 releases of the "DOWN BUT NOT OUT" and "WE WILL FLY AGAIN" wood sculptures and collectible figures, renowned Japanese artist Yusuke Hanai is teaming up with AllRightsReserved for a third time to launch his largest overseas solo exhibition to date, "FACING THE CURRENT." Organized and curated by AllRightsReserved, the exhibition will showcase the artist's most massive three-dimensional sculpture yet, alongside 19 original paintings and multi-layered frame works—the largest number of pieces ever featured in one of his international shows. The exhibition will run from August 14 to September 5, 2021, at BELOWGROUND in LANDMARK, Central, and will be open to the public with free admission.
Yusuke Hanai's Largest Sculpture to Date Encourages Us to "Face the Current" and Ride the Waves of a Harsh Reality
Having lived in San Francisco, Yusuke Hanai was deeply influenced by West Coast street culture. He absorbed diverse counter-cultural elements from the artists, beatniks, hippies, and surfers he encountered, blending them with the meticulous detail characteristic of his Japanese heritage. This fusion created a unique, nostalgic East-meets-West style that has earned him acclaim on the global art stage. Hanai's work often captures a cynical, down-and-out yet philosophical attitude towards life, striking a chord with audiences worldwide. For the "FACING THE CURRENT" exhibition, Hanai shares new perspectives on counter-culture through the title piece, which is also his largest three-dimensional sculpture to date.
The two-meter-long "FACING THE CURRENT" sculpture depicts a middle-aged man and his dog sitting in a boat, pensively contemplating life. Though the man appears melancholic, he has his canine companion by his side, conveying a deeper message: even in difficult times, we must resolutely face the situation—or the "current."
The title of the work holds a special significance. The word "current" has a dual meaning, referring to both a "wave" and the "present situation." As an avid surfer, Hanai understands the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of waves; one moment you're riding high, the next you could be swallowed by the sea. This mirrors life, where we spend most of our time dealing with different "situations," each with its own set of challenges. This led Hanai to ponder: "When we face our current reality, should we just go with the flow, or should we constantly fight against our struggles?"
Global Debut of "FACING THE CURRENT" Figure Sculpture
Online Raffle Registration Now Open at DDT Store
To commemorate the exhibition, a special 11-inch "FACING THE CURRENT" figure sculpture, based on the large-scale installation, will be released. This collectible is a limited edition of 500 pieces worldwide. Each features the artist's signature and edition number on the bottom of the boat, and comes packaged in a wooden box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The figure is priced at HK$11,700 / US$1,500 and will be sold via an online raffle at the DDT Store. Registration is open now (August 9, 11:00 AM HKT) and closes on August 12 at 12:00 PM HKT. Winners will be notified by email on August 12 with purchase details. Shipping is expected to begin in September.
"FACING THE CURRENT" Figure Sculpture
Material: Polyurethane Resin and Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 11 inches long
Limited edition of 500, with artist's signature and edition number on the bottom of the boat
Includes a wooden box and a numbered certificate of authenticity
Price: HK$11,700 | US$1,500
The raffle is open for registration from Monday, August 9, 11:00 AM HKT to Thursday, August 12, 12:00 PM HKT at the DDT Store. Winners will receive a confirmation email on August 12. Shipping is estimated to begin in September.
Yusuke Hanai "FACING THE CURRENT" Largest Overseas Solo Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: August 14 (Saturday) to September 5 (Sunday), 2021
Location: Shop 7, BELOWGROUND, LANDMARK, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Note: Please refer to the official AllRightsReserved Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates and any changes.
Open to the Public, Free Admission
The exhibition is open to the public with free admission. Visitors will receive a complimentary exhibition souvenir, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
In response to the pandemic and to ensure public health, crowd control measures will be implemented, and entry may be restricted depending on the situation.
About Yusuke Hanai
Yusuke Hanai's work has been exhibited in cities around the world, including California, New York, London, Paris, Taipei, and Tokyo. His unique style, which blends Western cultural values with a Japanese aesthetic, has attracted a wide following of art enthusiasts. His pieces often reflect moments from daily life, incorporate various counter-cultural activities, and draw inspiration from his surfer friends. He has collaborated with numerous brands, including Vans, Fender, Gregory, and BEAMS.