As you enter the plush premises of Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s MO Bar this weekend, don’t be surprised if your eyes are automatically drawn towards the walls, because hanging on them are a range of striking photographs of some of the most legendary stars of our times – from David Bowie to Lady Gaga – shot by none other than award-winning celebrity photographer Markus Klinko who’s hosting his first exhibition in Hong Kong titled 2000s: David Bowie and Beyond till 16 April.  

And these photos are just the tip of the iceberg. Klinko has not only teamed up with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, but also with Central-based art gallery Alisan Fine Arts to showcase some of the most iconic photos in his repertoire – be it Bowie’s behind-the-scenes portraits from his Heathen photoshoot or Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love album cover. Shot entirely on Fuji cameras, what sets them apart from run-of-the-mill celebrity photos is Klinko’s unfailing ability to reveal an unexplored side of the artist’s personality in each of his ethereal, almost otherworldly compositions. 

Keen not to miss out on the experience, Hong Kong’s art aficionados have been thronging Alisan Fine Arts since the opening night to appreciate the photos firsthand and also to support Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF)’s cancer fund, with the proceeds of the sale going to this charity. And though Klinko’s exhibition is officially ending on 16 April, art lovers would rejoice to learn that some of his photos would be available for sale at Alisan Fine Arts for the whole of March.

Meanwhile, Kaws fans would also be happy to know that the inflatable version of the American artist’s signature cross-eyed Companion floating on Victoria Harbour won’t be the only Kaws memorabilia to grace our Fragrant Harbour this month. Some photos from Klinko’s Lohan X Kaws photoshoot will also be available for sale at Alisan Fine Arts.

It’s just the right kind of exciting build-up to Art Basel, isn’t it?

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay