Since MTR has arrived in Kennedy Town, everyone can now reach the western edge of Hong Kong Island with ease. This month, the once quiet neighbourhood has become more vibrant and attracted many, especially art and photography lovers. Because Annie Leibovitz – a pioneer of movement against gendered inequality and a world-famous photographer herself – has picked a long-empty industrial building here to showcase her popular series of photographs “WOMEN”.
11.30am
Take Exit A from MTR station, then turn left and walk up along Smithfield street. There you enter Cheung Hing Industrial Building where a number of the exhibition helpers standby to register.
“Women” has been one of Annie Leibovitz’s most enduring projects since 1999, and her work initially as a photojournalist and later as a portraitist have influenced tremendously in our time. Not to mention her legendary magazine cover featuring naked John Lennon embracing Yoko Ono, and the recent one documenting Caitlyn Jenner as a revolutionary representative of transgender activity.
Today, see the changes in the roles of modern women through her eyes, if you haven’t already, because “she looks beyond gender, beyond stereotypes, beyond masks of the day, to show us that everything alive is both universal and unique.”
Women: New Portraits by Annie Leibovitz
June 3 – June 26, 2016
3/F Cheung Hing Industrial Building
12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Free entrance to the exhibition
Exhibition Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
1pm
After an intellectual and inspiring morning at the Exhibit, stroll all the way down Smithfield and turn left onto Catchick. With its high ceilings, sliding doors and hanging pots of plants on the wall, Catch. Next Door is a semi alfresco area that opens onto Catchick Street. And you definitely can’t miss the fresh bites there.
So start the afternoon with a bang – Smashed avocado with feta, mint and poached egg on multigrain toast at Catch.Next Door just won’t disappoint. Add lemon juice to give the dish a slight acidity. It’s optional if you would like to add smoked salmon to the dish. You’ll be surprised by just how good you feel right after this meal.
Catch. Next Door
G/F, 93 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Western District
3.30pm
Just before walking your dog after lunch, head over to The Cofftea Shop that serves premium Italian coffee opposite Catch, standing at the corner of Davis and Catchick streets. What better than sipping iced latte before back on the scorching pavement?
The Cofftea Shop
Shop H, G/F, 78-86 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Western District
4pm
Strips of Kennedy Town still remain undeveloped like a construction site right now. Before the neighbourhood transforms to be Hong Kong’s next hip spot, spend some time traipsing down to seafront and listen to the sound of waves like pulse of the city.
Before you leave the town
Visit the cosy gastropub by the quiet waterfront, Beeger. Short for beer and burger, the open-fronted bar prides itself on a wide selected of quality handmade hamburgers and a wide selection of crafted beer. It’s “Taste of Leisure” (says their menu) at its best.
Alternatively, try the rotisserie chicken at Fish & Chick next door. Also open-fronted, their signature chicken and seafood baskets are a bomb.
An unobstructed view of Victoria harbour makes both restaurants the perfect weekend hangout spot, as booze and breeze are great for summer heat.
Beeger
Shop 5, G/F, Ka Fu Building, 25 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Western District
Fish & Chick
Shop 6, 25 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Western District
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As a photographer, Stephanie believes natural wonders are great teachers and is constantly learning from local people with different backgrounds. With a BSc degree in Psychology and MSc Double degree in Global Media and Communications, she loves looking for the new and the adventurous, never settles.
