Interview by William Chan
10 Fantasia Gallery, located on Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro, is presenting a thematic exhibition that translates the life, art, and enduring legacy of legendary Hong Kong Cantopop and cinematic icon Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing (張國榮) into a multi-faceted showcase of collective memory.
Commemorating what would have been the 70th birthday of the late superstar, affectionately known in Cantonese as “Gor Gor” (“Elder Brother”), the exhibition entitled in Chinese “Eternal Grace · Legend of Gor Gor” has transformed the second-floor gallery into a sanctuary for fans and the public alike. Since its launch on April 4, the ongoing exhibition, which is part of the “Greater Bay Area Arts and Cultural Exchange Project”, has seen an influx of visitors from the Greater Bay Area (GBA), said the exhibition’s curator Sharon Fong (方惠萍).
Fong told the Post in an exclusive interview at the gallery last week that the exhibition continues a series dedicated to Hong Kong’s entertainment heritage. Following showcases of Bruce Lee (李小龍) and the band Beyond in 2024 and last year respectively, the focus on Leslie Cheung was driven by her personal passion and the star’s cross-generational influence. “Beyond’s exhibition last year triggered many shared memories,” Fong noted, adding that Cheung’s achievements in music, film, and stage remain a vital pillar of Cantonese popular culture, even to this day.
To accommodate the anticipated crowds, the organisers have extended the exhibition period to two months, a departure from the usual one-month duration for the venue. The exhibition, which runs until May 24, features a rich array of rare collectibles contributed by film poster collector Lam Ka Lok from Hong Kong, local collector CK and another anonymous enthusiast.
Among the highlights are original posters from cinematic classics such as “Okinawa Rendez-vous”, “He’s a Woman, She’s a Man”, and “A Chinese Ghost Story”. The gallery also displays rare stills and memorabilia from iconic works like “For Your Heart Only” and “Rouge”.
A particularly unique feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of original artworks, including a piece by Tsui Shing On, whose work was also featured in the Bruce Lee exhibition.
Beyond visual art, the exhibition delves into the tactile history of the 1980s and 90s music scene. Visitors can view a collection of cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl records. Fong noted that collector CK provided intriguing insights into the nuances of these physical formats, pointing out that cover designs and tracks often varied between vinyl and cassette versions of the same album. “One interesting discovery involves ‘white label’ records – promotional discs sent to radio stations before an album’s official release. CK pointed out that the version of the classic hit ‘Close To You’ on the white label disc differs to the final album version, a detail only dedicated collectors might uncover,” Fong said.
The exhibition also features nostalgic installations, including Japanese-edition videotapes and a vintage video recorder, aimed at recreating the domestic atmosphere of the era when fans would record music videos from television.
Fong observed that the exhibition has become a space for community interaction. Unlike typical galleries where visitors remain silent, this exhibition encourages dialogue. “Fans tell their stories and memories, sometimes pointing out missing details or sharing personal collections.”
This sense of community extends to families, with parents bringing children – some from overseas –to introduce them to the cultural icon of their youth. Fong underlined that while the subject is popular culture, it effectively fosters social harmony and intergenerational connection.
As the exhibition continues, Fong hopes it will serve as a platform for the ongoing preservation of Cantonese cultural heritage. “There are already discussions about a potential ‘2.0 version’ of the exhibition, which could incorporate the heartfelt messages left by visitors on the gallery’s message boards.”
The free-admission exhibition is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 10 Fantasia until May 24. A special session with collector CK is scheduled for this Saturday, April 25, at 2:30 p.m., where he will further discuss the stories behind his extensive collection.
Curator Sharon Fong (third from left), HK poster collector Lam Ka Lok (left), local collector CK (right ) and other guests cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony on April at 10 Fantasia. – Photos provided by Fong
