Henderson Land Group and Hong Kong Ferry jointly organized the Henderson ArtReach II Art Auction and Exhibition showcasing over 200 pieces of artworks by local artists at a media preview here Monday.

The ArtReach II program aims to showcase a vast collection of local artists' works and provide a free auction channel for potential buyers and collectors.

A total of 201 pieces of artworks, with a reserve value of over 34 HK million dollars, collected from 91 local artists, will be shown to the public at the exhibition which was going to be held between Feb. 1 to Feb. 19.

According to the organizers, the objective of the auction event is to promote creative art pieces by local artists free of charge to artists and collectors.

On the other hand, the auction platform also provides a convenient way for collectors and potential buyers to know about creative pieces, without any costs incurred by both parties. This would facilitate the prosperity of the art market and the promotion of local art and culture.

Besides, the auction is the first ever in Hong Kong. Such auctions are rarely known in other parts of the world. As pioneers, Henderson and Hong Kong Ferry are devising unique terms and conditions for this event in order to work out the rights and obligations of the buyers, the artists and the organizers in a fair and transparent way.

The forms of art ranges from Chinese and Western paintings to sculptures and multi-media art. Some of the creative art pieces exhibited include Integration by Lee Lam Sin, The Elderly by Ha Pik Chuen, Silhouette by Mok Yat Sun, Hand by Kam Chi Keungetc.

The auction will be held on Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 at the Two International Financial Center of Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2005)