HONG KONG — The Central Harbourfront has been transformed into a surreal botanical wonderland this March as world-renowned artist CJ Hendry brings her acclaimed “Flower Market” to Asia for the first time. Running from March 19–22 at AIA Vitality Park, the immersive exhibition features over 150,000 plush flora, offering a whimsical, everlasting alternative to the city’s traditional wet markets. The installation, which coincides with Hong Kong Art Month, saw its registration slots filled within 24 hours, signaling a massive public appetite for Hendry’s unique fusion of high art and tactile play.
From Hyperrealism to Soft Sculpture
Originally from Brisbane and now making waves in the New York art scene, CJ Hendry has built a reputation for defying boundaries. She first captured global attention with her painstaking, hyperrealistic ballpoint pen drawings, but her recent trajectory has moved toward large-scale, experiential environments. Whether placing a swimming pool in the middle of a desert or recreating a brooklyn flower shop, Hendry specializes in “productive tension”—taking a familiar concept and inflating it to a scale that feels both approachable and otherworldly.
“Flower Market” represents the pinnacle of this evolution. Within a specially constructed greenhouse pavilion overlooking Victoria Harbour, visitors navigate a lush hedge maze populated by oversized textile blooms. The collection includes 26 distinct floral designs, ranging from classic sunflowers and violets to intricate thistles, all rendered in soft fabric rather than delicate petals.
A Local Tribute in Plush
While the exhibition has seen success in North America, the Hong Kong edition features two bespoke commissions that root the project in local soil:
- The Henderson Allium: Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Henderson Land, this piece symbolizes resilience and unity. It draws inspiration from the permanent sculpture located at The Henderson building, dedicated to the group’s founder.
- The Bauhinia: A soft-sculpture rendition of Hong Kong’s official floral emblem. This piece serves as a cultural homage, reimagining a national symbol through a medium associated with comfort and nostalgia.
Cultivating Accessibility in the Art World
Despite the high-concept nature of the work, Hendry’s philosophy remains rooted in joy. “It’s a playful, childlike adventure,” the artist remarked, noting that the goal is for the beauty of the experience to resonate long after the physical greenhouse is dismantled.
By offering free admission, the installation stands out as one of the most accessible highlights of Art Month—a period typically dominated by exclusive gallery showings and elite auctions. Participants are invited to not only view the art but to touch it; each ticket holder receives one complimentary plush stem, with additional flowers available for purchase at HK$38.
Visitor Logistics and Experience
For those fortunate enough to hold a reservation, the installation is situated at AIA Vitality Park, easily accessible via a short walk from Central Station (Exit A) or Hong Kong Station (Exit F).
Pro-Tips for Attendees:
- Time Management: Allot at least 60 minutes to explore the maze and pavillion.
- Off-Peak Visiting: If possible, attend during a weekday morning for a more contemplative viewing experience away from the peak crowds.
- Scenic Route: Pair your visit with a stroll along the Central Harbourfront promenade to appreciate the contrast between the plush “nature” inside and the mountain-backed skyline outside.
As the greenhouse doors prepare to close on March 22, “Flower Market” leaves behind a significant question for the city’s art lovers: How do we balance our need for nature with our desire for permanence? In Hendry’s world, the answer is found in 150,000 flowers that will never fade.