At the epicenter of Wan Chai’s creative design scene in Hong Kong, The Hari has once again become a platform for the city’s emerging artists. Now in its second year, the Hari Art Prize 2025 has announced its 19 shortlisted artists, each representing the bold and diverse voices shaping Hong Kong’s contemporary art scene.

The competition has seen tremendous growth, with nearly 600 Hong Kong-based self-taught artists and recent graduates—all within the first 10 years of their careers—submitting their work. That’s more than double the number of applicants from the inaugural 2023 prize, a sign of the city’s surging creative energy.

The winner and two runners-up will be revealed in a special ceremony on March 13, 2025, at The Hari Hong Kong, where selected works from the finalists will be on display. The grand prize winner will receive a HK$100,000 cash award, donated by Dr. Aron Harilela, CEO and chairman of Harilela Hotels Limited, and the founder of The Hari Hong Kong and its sister property, The Hari London.

This year’s shortlisted artists—APO, Chan Ka Kiu, YY Chan, Dony Cheng Hung, Itit Cheung (Weera it Ittiteerarak), Gianluca Crudele, Ho Hou Wun, Inkgo Lam, Vincent Lee, Jeremy Leung, Livy Leung Hoi Nga, Edwin Lo, Karen Mai, Geoffrey Palmer, Amy Tang, Gavin Tu, Nicole Wong, Wu Jiaru, and Angela Yuen Ka Yee—are set to showcase a stunning range of ideas, mediums, and artistic expressions.

A Showcase of Innovation and Vision

Dr. Harilela, reflecting on the submissions, expressed his admiration for the talent on display:

“We are blown away by the imagination, the narratives, the substance, and the depth evident in the talented finalists’ submissions; Hong Kong’s art scene has never been more exciting and inspiring.”

The competition’s open call for all genres and mediums has resulted in an eclectic mix of works, spanning clay, oil on canvas and linen, watercolors, porcelain, red earthenware, acrylic on wood panels and Chinese silk, lenticular print, film photography, videos, installations, and mixed media using upcycled materials and vintage objects.

“There are wondrous things happening among the finalists’ broad spectrum of work,” Dr. Harilela noted. He highlighted specific standout pieces, including a digital print on a lightbox behind Venetian blinds, etching on stainless steel mirror, a suncatcher made of glass and Opalite, a hammerhead shark made of disposable cutlery, and a circular urban acoustic barrier with a built-in community garden and insect hotel, designed to combat noise and create a quiet zone for the hearing impaired and neurodivergent.

“We could go on and on, and the judging panel is of the opinion that the concepts and execution of all the finalists’ works are flawless.”

Hong Kong’s Growing Influence in the Art World

Joining Dr. Harilela on the judging panel are Charlie Smedley, founder and director of A Space For Art; Frankie Ho, Asia retail director of TASCHEN; Amanda Hon, managing director of Ben Brown Fine Arts; and independent curator Anqi Li.

For Smedley, the overwhelming response to this year’s prize underscores Hong Kong’s place on the global art stage.

“The talent and dedication of this year’s applicants are truly remarkable, showcasing the strength of Hong Kong’s art scene. It reaffirms the city’s status as a global art capital – one that will continue to thrive for years to come.”

Beyond the prize, The Hari Hong Kong remains deeply invested in the city’s artistic landscape. Through The Hari Chronicles, an ongoing series of conversations on art, design, and culture, and a carefully curated rotation of artworks displayed throughout the hotel, The Hari serves as a gateway to Hong Kong’s creative world.

As March 13 approaches, The Hari stands ready to once again celebrate the artists shaping the future of Hong Kong’s vibrant and ever-evolving art scene.

For more details on The Hari Hong Kong Art Prize, please visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/the-hari-art-prize/ where viewers will soon have the chance to delve into the creative process behind each winning artwork.