“Max” by  Anne-Claire Bottos

Franco-Chinese
fine jeweler Qeelin presented its first ever Qeelin Art Award at the opening event
of the ‘Caring Robot’ exhibition to Paris-based designer Anne-Claire Bottos on
May 20. The exhibition-cum-auction featured works from eight finalists and ran
May 20-27 at the International Finance Centre, with proceeds from the auction
going to UNICEF.

The ‘Caring
Robot’ exhibition was conceived in a bid to re-imagine the ‘robot’ – whereby entrants
were asked to design a robot that “carried a profound emotional message”. Creative
director of Qeelin Dennis Chan explains,

“The Qeelin Art
Award was inspired by our strong desire to foster creative excellence among
young artists as well as encourage cultural exchange on a global level”.

Eight finalists –
hailing from Paris, Hong Kong and Beijing – were selected by a panel of judges
including Lorraine Tsang, Freeman Lau, Benny Leong and of course, Chan. Bottos
toppled all other competitors to win the prestigious award, which would include
an inspiring field trip to China.

“I am thrilled
by this honour and confident that my cultural journey will enrich my source of
inspiration and creativity,” says the jubilant winner.  

Guillaume
Brochard, CEO of Qeelin, spoke of the connection with UNICEF “Their good work
transcends national boundaries and cultures, a concept that reflects Qeelin’s
ethos of combing Eastern aesthetics and Western craftsmanship. Our vision of
supporting these young artists closely parallels UNICEF’s goals”

 Chairman of Hong
Kong Committee for UNICEF Judy Chen made a special appearance. Other important
faces included Chinese actress Huang Yi, actress-model Jennifer Tse, socialites
Mira Yeh, Daisy Ho, Migonne Cheng, Alan & Michelle Chan, Edwin Ing, Kennis
Tai, Nina Lam, Helen Ma, fashion designer Renee K and Cecilia Yau. 

(from left) Karim Azar, Freeman Lau, Huang Yi, Dennis Chan, Jennifer Tse, Benny Leong and Judy Chen

Derrick Fung and Sue Lynn Hwa

 Mira Yeh tries on a pendant from Qeelin’s Roobot collection, which was also on display

“Walking Robot” by Tian Ye

“Red” by Wang Wei

“All Blue” by Lam Wai Wa

Qeelin