OWN A PIECE OF CHINESE ART HISTORY 5 Oct 2013
To mark its 40th anniversary in Asia, the highlight of the Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Autumn 2013 Sale Series will be the eagerly anticipated Sotheby’s Hong Kong 40th Anniversary Evening Sale at Oct. 5. The sale will combine the best offerings of the auction house’s 20th Century Chinese Art, Contemporary Asian Art and Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Art. The evening will be led by a remarkable group of seven museum-quality works by modern Chinese masters from a distinguished private collection. These highly important paintings in oil by Sanyu, Zao Wou-ki and Wu Guanzhong, widely recognised as the most sought-after artists in modern Chinese art today, were created at seminal moments in their respective artistic careers. The total estimated worth of these seven works is $27.1 million. Highlights from the Evening Sale, including works from this Collection, will be on view in Asia throughout September. For more details go to sothebys.com.
FOR LOVE OF THE WRITTEN WORD 11 Sept 2013
It’s time once again for the annual Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, which takes place this year from Oct. 11-15. The festival brings some of the world’s leading authors to the Island of the Gods to participate in lectures, workshops and discussions with passionate lovers of literature to celebrate the power of the written word. This year’s festival will feature such literati luminaries as Lionel Shriver, author of the New York Times Bestseller “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” and Sebastian Faulks, author of the critically acclaimed novels “Birdsong” and “Devil May Care.” Also in attendance will be 2013 Man Booker long-listed authors Ruth Ozeki (“A Tale for the Time Being”) and Tash Aw (“Five Star Billionaire”). Many of Indonesia’s most famed writers are also coming to this year’s festival, including the country’s most preeminent poet, Goenawan Mohamad, award-winning writer Ayu Utami and best-selling writer and celebrity singer Dewi Lestari. In addition to talks with the authors, the festival also features a packed schedule of activities including cultural workshops, book launches and film premieres. Some events are free and open to the public, but most require a festival pass, which can be purchased either daily or for the whole festival. For more information go to ubudwritersfestival.com.
BALI AND THE BEAUTIES 28 Sept 2013
Some of the world’s most beautiful women will soon descend on Bali, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, to compete at the Miss World 2013 pageant. The 63rd edition of the pageant will take place on Sept. 28 and it will be the first time the contest has been held anywhere in Southeast Asia. The 137 contestants will enjoy a weeklong visit to Bali, where they will be hosted at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. The opening ceremony will take place at the Mangupura Hall. The pageant, which will be broadcast live to millions of viewers in some 160 countries, will definitely help promote Bali’s image as a tourist destination where the beautiful people come to stay and play.
