Shangri-La Commissions Life-Sized Artwork In Support Of Elephant Parade Hong Kong

In support of the Asian Elephant Foundation, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has commissioned acclaimed Hong Kong-based contemporary artist Man Fung-Yi to craft a life-sized infant elephant statue for Hong Kong’s Elephant Parade – the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues, in aid of Asian elephant conservation – that will take place from 1 August to 9 September 2014.

Entitled “Suspended Moments”, Shangri-La’s 1.5-metre-tall elephant is a collaborative effort between Man Fung-Yi and Mok Yat-San, and it will be based on Man’s signature style of sculpture, in which synthesised metal strands are intricately woven to form an expressive artwork. The Shangri-La installation, when completed in July, will be displayed at Swire Properties’ malls including Pacific Place, Cityplaza and Citygate Outlets this summer, along with a colourful herd of 100 one-of-a-kind baby elephant statues to form one of the world’s largest exhibits of decorated elephants.

“We’re thrilled to lend our voice to Elephant Parade’s global movement to support the conservation and protection of elephants,” said Patricia Gallardo, Shangri-La’s director of corporate social responsibility and sustainability. “The integration of education with visual arts is creative, meaningful and aligns perfectly with Sanctuary, Shangri-La’s Care for Nature projects around the world.”

Following the exhibition, Shangri-La’s elephant sculpture and approximately 20 statues will be auctioned at a gala dinner on 11 September at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Proceeds from the auction, conducted by Sotheby’s, will benefit the Asian Elephant Foundation, an international conservation organisation that promotes awareness of endangered species.