Art collectors, music aficionados and even jewellery lovers should take an interest in OzArt 2007, an unusual exhibition of Australian art at the Fringe Club Gallery in Hong Kong’s Central Business District from April 25 to May 9.

“Asian collectors express a keen interest in learning more about the unique qualities and the rising value of Australian art,” said the event’s organizer, Elsie Edenhall-Ip of the Melbourne-based company Hong Kong on Board. “So we’re taking some of Australia’s best art to Hong Kong.”

The two-week show features works by the ultra-innovative David Edward Conolan, by aboriginal artist David Dryden and by free expressionist Derek Erskine.

For two days, on May 5 and 6, OzArt 2007 expands to the Bridge Room at the Aberdeen Boat Club at 20 Shum Wan Road in Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong.

“Art from Australia deserves to hang on walls in Hong Kong and across Asia,” said Edenhall-Ip. “There’s so much inspired artistry in Australia. It’s world-calibre, much better than most, but because Australia’s slightly isolated, we’ve fallen short in sharing our artistic skills with the world.”

Conolan, from Broome in Western Australia, uses pearls and gemstones in unique paintings. “I wanted to do something that has never been done before,” he said. On “pearl paintings” of dragons, he adds Chinese script.

An abstract expressionist, Conolan is vibrant and highly motivated. In 1999, he left a clothing-design career for “a journey of pure visual delight” in art. His work appears at galleries in Australia, Germany and Fiji.

David Dryden, who lives in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong, will display paintings, boomerangs and the delicately crafted musical instruments known as digeridoos, all influenced by his indigenous background. He’s part of the Yorta Yorta Tribe.

“Although in demand, aboriginal art is often hard to find around the world,” said Edenhall-Ip. “Dryden creates works that are viewer-friendly, more realistic and contemporary than many, yet still traditional in style and theme.”

With simple forms and precise execution, Derek Erskine captures diverse moods, often in charcoal or acrylic abstracts. He describes his style, with its abstract shapes and big impact, as “free expressionism”.

Originally from Scotland, Erskine moved to Tasmania and later to the Melbourne area. He has exhibited in many cities, including Barcelona, Berlin, Istanbul, Lisbon, Miami, New York and Vancouver.

“My work represents love, devotion and inspiration,” Erskine said. “I’m inspired by life in itself, its fun, its simplicity.”

Multi-talented Erskine also thrives as an actor, film director and poet. He has starred in four feature-length films and many stage productions.

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Organizer Elsie Edenhall-Ip (right) examines artworks
for a unique OzArt 2007 exhibition in Hong Kong.


David Edward Conolan places
pearls and gemstones in his art.

Conolan displays a pearl painting.


David Dryden's paintings tell stories of his country
-- the rivers, water, trees and environment.


Edenhall-Ip (left) and an assistant show works
by Australian artist Derek Erskine.