UPWARD

In an ambitious statement show for the city’s art month, “UPWARD – Huang Yulong” brings more than 20 giant sculptures, measuring over 3m in height, to the harbourfront at the iconic Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Monumental in scale, facing upwards to the city’s skyline and a bright future, the spirit of which embraces openness, youth engagement, and a feeling of optimism and positivity for tomorrow. Since the early 2000s, Yulong's work has served as a powerful commentary on the evolution of street culture in China, and by incorporating familiar symbols like the hoodie, he invites a positive dialogue on belonging and the complexities of urban life. Furthermore, “UPWARD – Huang Yulong” features selected sculptures which combine elements of rugby, a deliberate nod to the Hong Kong Sevens which will also be taking place this March.

Presented in partnership with Great Entertainment Group (GEG) and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel & AIA Vitality Park, “UPWARD – Huang Yulong” takes the artist’s hip-hop, street culture style to new heights and never-before-seen scale. The show will occupy one of the most attractive outdoor exhibition spaces in the heart of Central, presenting unrivalled ‘Instagrammable’ opportunities for visitors. Yulong will simultaneously present sculptures with Ora-Ora at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, following his successful debut with Ora-Ora at the fair’s 2024 edition.

Michael Denmark, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Great Entertainment Group, is a long-time fan of Huang Yulong’s work, as well as a driving force behind bringing this unique collaboration to life: “The Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park are at the heart of Hong Kong, and we strive to celebrate the city and its community every day. Collaborating with an artist like Huang Yulong during the busiest month in Hong Kong’s events calendar—when we celebrate the arts, our world-famous Hong Kong Sevens tournament, and the opening of its new home in Kai Tak Sports Park—is yet another pioneering and exciting project for everyone to enjoy.” 

 Henrietta Tsui-Leung, co-founder and CEO of Ora-Ora, said: “Huang Yulong brings positivity and an uplifting mood 

wherever he goes. He breaks down borders, celebrates diversity and revels in inclusion. There couldn’t be a better time to promote optimism and positivity, or a better city to do it in. We are delighted to be able to present this artist amidst this wonderful location to the people of Hong Kong during art month. The team at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park and GEG, which co-presents the event with us, have worked enthusiastically to make this event happen.”