Refik Anadol Commissioned for Hong Kong’s M+ Façade

Hong Kong’s M+ museum has announced its latest moving-image commission by Refik Anadol for the M+ Façade overlooking Victoria Harbour. The Turkish American artist, known for using generative AI to create his “data-paintings” and immersive outdoor installations, will debut Winds of Hong Kong (2026), the latest project in his Winds of . . . series (2017– ). The AI-driven work draws on local meteorological data to visualize the city’s shifting weather conditions and monsoon wind patterns, highlighting the delicate relationship between environmental phenomena and technology. In a press release, Anadol noted, “For many years, the Winds of . . . series has explored how we can utilize machine intelligence to perceive the invisible living systems that shape our world. . . . I hope the work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience Hong Kong as a dynamic ecology of movement, energy, and transformation.” Winds of Hong Kong will be on view from October 14 through January 7, 2027.

Indonesia to Welcome New Independent Cinema and Contemporary Art Center

Indonesian artist-filmmaker Riar Rizaldi and curator Hera Chan are spearheading a new, independent cinema and contemporary art center in Yogyakarta, dubbed Otonomia Bioskop, which is scheduled to open in early 2029. The institution will showcase obscure, experimental films from the region and beyond, with genres spanning 1980s visual anthropology and Indonesian horror movies confronting President Suharto’s authoritarian New Order regime (1966–98). The center—to be built on a plot of land belonging to Indonesian artist Uji Hahan Handoko, who offered up the real estate for this project—will feature a roughly 60-seat indoor cinema along with an outdoor screening area, a gallery, and a park. Although Yogyakarta has a lively cultural scene, few permanent arthouse cinemas remain; with Otonomia Bioskop, Rizaldi and Chan hope to engage the local community with weekly non-mainstream film screenings. Speaking with Ocula, Chan said, “There’s not a want of audiences here. In fact, there’s a thirst for more programs.”

Philip Tinari Appointed Director of Hong Kong’s Tai Kwun Arts

Less than a year after Philip Tinari joined Tai Kwun as its new deputy director and head of art, the Hong Kong institution has promoted him to director of Tai Kwun Arts. Tinari takes over from Timothy Calnin, who held the role for nearly a decade and will serve as the director of Tai Kwun Arts (special projects). The promotion coincides with Tai Kwun expanding Chin Chin Teoh’s role as managing director. Teoh, who has been with Tai Kwun since 2020, will remain in charge of the organization’s performance and operations, while Tinari, alongside Calnin, will helm the programming and artistic direction. In a press release, Tinari stated, “As Tai Kwun approaches its 10th anniversary in 2028, we have an exciting opportunity to . . . engage audiences in new ways and shape Tai Kwun’s next chapter by bringing heritage, contemporary art, and performing arts into closer dialogue. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to bring this vision to life.”