Art critic, writer, and cultural activist John Batten on honesty, politics, and the mundane.
Art critic, writer, and cultural activist John Batten.
Ep.23 | I had the pleasure to talk to John Batten, a long-time Hong Kong resident, art critic and a writer about everything. Among the many topics we delved into, John talked about how his background has informed his talent for writing, how he shifted from being a gallery owner to focusing on urban planning, why he avoids writing about bad exhibitions, and the impact of the security law. John shared his personal perspective on working with institutions on large scale public art projects as well and we talked about his deep admiration for the multiple dimensions of Hong Kong life.
Long-time Hong Kong resident, John Batten is a well-known curator and art critic who comments, broadcasts, and writes on art, culture, urban planning, heritage and policy issues for Hong Kong newspapers and magazines, these have included the South China Morning Post, Ming Pao Weekly, Perspective, Artomity, Being Hong Kong, Design Anthology etc. Previously he ran his own gallery; and, was the former Organiser of the yearly charity art event, Hong Kong ArtWalk. For many years, he was an Academic Advisor to the Asia Art Archive. As a strong advocate for better urban planning and heritage conservation in Hong Kong, he is currently co-convenor of the Central & Western Concern Group.
Since 2014, he has been involved in the conservation and opening of Tai Kwun as an art and cultural venue, firstly as a member of the planning Arts Advisory Group and currently as a member of the Tai Kwun Programming Committee – positions directly appointed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. He is an active member of the arts community: including, as an Examiner for the Hong Kong Arts Development Council; Director of the non-profit Rooftop Institute; and, as the current President of the International Association of Art Critics, Hong Kong (AICAHK).
Hong Kong artist Tsang Kin-wah stenciling the gallery's front window for his 'White Cube' exhibition, John Batten Gallery, Central (photo courtesy of John Batten).
Artist Michael Wolf's 'The Real Toy Story' photography and toy installation exhibition, John Batten Gallery, Central (photo courtesy of John Batten).
In the battle to save PMQ from demolition, the Central & Western Concern Group lobbied legislators and district councillors - seen here is John Batten and Katty Law of C&WCG talking to legislator Alan Leong, who was then standing as a candidate as the HKSAR Chief Executive, 2006. (photo courtesy of John Batten).
International Association of Art Critics Hong Kong www.aicahk.org
Website: http://www.aicahk.org/eng/author/johnbatten
Instagram: @HongKongKey
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