To celebrate the 40th anniversary of its iconic offering, Chicken McNuggets, McDonald’s Hong Kong has enlisted streetwear and artistic figure Kevin Poon to curate a special exhibition. Titled “The Coach McNugget Art World”, the unique immersive fast food themed showcase serves to highlight the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Chicken McNuggets in Hong Kong and around the world.
Taking over the arts pavilion of the cultural district of West Kowloon in Hong Kong, the exhibition presents itself as a conversion of art, culture and technology inspired by the message “Please Share” linked to the McNuggets. Kevin Poon’s latest selection sought to draw from a range of artistic practices and media, resulting in a mix of 20 works from a diverse group of creatives. Works powered by Chicken McNugget are from Vandy The Pink, Jon Burgerman, UFO907, Gyuhan Lee and FrankNitty3000.
McDonald’s Hong Kong and Kevin Poon’s “The Coach McNugget Art World” exhibit begins with a McDonald’s time tunnel that travels through McNuggets’ 40-year history and cultural impact.
Hong Kong-based Dutch artist FrankNitty3000 investigated the limits of digital art and imagery for commercial purposes, placing McNuggets in a surreal immersive world. New York-based British artist Jon Burgerman has relied on his improvisation and acting through drawing and performance through paintings that intuitively and dynamically capture the first bite of McNuggets in our childhood. While Brooklyn-based American artist UFO907’s unconventional painting techniques rendered various McNuggets characters in a graffiti sensibility.
Offering a functional approach, Seoul-based Korean artist Gyuhan Lee has designed a series of upcycled lamps with repurposed McDonald’s Hong Kong paper bags. The works highlight the iconography of the McDonald’s logo, while presenting an interplay between manufacturing and the art of craftsmanship, questioning the role of the designer, the artisan and the consumer.
Virginia-based Korean American designer Vandy The Pink has assembled a collection of clothing and lifestyle items around a new edition of “Team McNuggets”. Reimagining the classic McDonald’s campaign of the 80s, the Ball, Bell, Boot and Bone “team” is joined by Coach McNugget and Assistant Coach McNugget. Finally, interactive elements such as the creation of McNugget shapes in the metaverse and special laser tattoos serve to further enhance the experience.
Importantly, proceeds from “The Coach McNugget Art World” exhibition will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Hong Kong, which provides support for families with terminally ill children.
“Rooted in Hong Kong for 48 years, McDonald’s has always strived to deliver innovative experiences and Happy Moments. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Chicken McNuggets, we are thrilled to collaborate with Kevin Poon and the five internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, including Vandy The Pink, to deliver an immersive art journey through West Kowloon’s cultural district. As an integral part of the social fabric in Hong Kong, we hope to share the fun with everyone and invite you all to join in our unprecedented celebration,” said Randy Lai, CEO of McDonald’s Hong Kong.
“It’s truly a dream come true to put on a show for McDonald’s Hong Kong, something I’ve been curious about doing since I was in elementary school. Having the artistic freedom to put on a special exhibit celebrating the 40th Chicken McNuggets anniversary and spanning fine art, music, augmented reality and virtual reality, is an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to the show,” said Kevin Poon.
Take a peek inside McDonald’s Hong Kong and Kevin Poon’s ‘The Coach McNugget Art World’ exhibition at the Arts Pavilion Hong Kong from July 29 to August 20. Visit the McDonald’s Hong Kong website to purchase tickets for the show.
Arts Pavilion
Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon,
hong kong
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