To celebrate the 40th anniversary of its iconic offering, Chicken McNuggets, McDonald’s Hong Kong tapped streetwear and art figure Kevin Poon to curate a special exhibition. Titled “The Coach McNugget Art World,” the unique fast-food item-themed immersive showcase serves to highlight the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Chicken McNuggets in Hong Kong and across the world.
Taking over the Arts Pavilion at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District, the exhibition stands as a conversion of art, culture, and technology inspired by the message of “Please Share” tied to McNuggets. Kevin Poon’s latest curation looked to draw from an array of artistic practices and media, resulting in a mix of 20 artworks from a diverse group of creatives. Chicken McNugget-fueled works come from the likes of Vandy The Pink, Jon Burgerman, UFO907, Gyuhan Lee, and FrankNitty3000.
McDonald’s Hong Kong and Kevin Poon’s “The Coach McNugget Art World” exhibition starts with a McDonald’s time tunnel that moves through the 40 years of McNuggets’ history and cultural impact.
Hong Kong-based Dutch artist FrankNitty3000 investigated the boundaries of digital art and otherwise commercial purpose imagery placing McNuggets in a surreal immersive world. New York-based British artist Jon Burgerman built on his improvisation and play through drawing and spectacle through paintings that intuitively and dynamically capture feeling 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 take, Seoul-based Korean artist Gyuhan Lee crafted a recycled series of lamps with repurposed McDonald’s Hong Kong paper bags. The works highlight the iconography of the McDonald’s logo, while presenting an interaction between manufacturing and the art of craftsmanship, questioning the role of the designer, the craftsman, and the consumer.
Virginia-based Korean American designer Vandy The Pink put together a collection of apparel and lifestyle items centered around a new edition of “Team McNuggets.” Reimagining the classic ’80s McDonald’s campaign, the “team” of Ball, Bell, Boot and Bone is accompanied by Coach McNugget and Assistant Coach McNugget. Finally, interactive elements like crafting McNugget shapes in the metaverse and special laser tattoos serve to further elevate the experience.
It is important to note, proceeds from “The Coach McNugget Art World” exhibition will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Hong Kong, which provides support to 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 excited to collaborate with Kevin Poon and the five internationally acclaimed contemporary artists including Vandy The Pink to provide an immersive art journey at West Kowloon Cultural District. As a part of the social fabric in Hong Kong, we hope to share fun with everyone and invite all of you to join our unprecedented celebration,” said Randy Lai, CEO of McDonald’s Hong Kong.
“It’s truly a dream come true to curate a show for McDonald’s Hong Kong, something that I’ve been curious about doing since I was in elementary school. Having the artistic freedom to curate a special exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of Chicken McNuggets and spanning across fine art, music, AR, and VR, is an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to the show,” said Kevin Poon.
Take a look inside McDonald’s Hong Kong and Kevin Poon’s “The Coach McNugget Art World” exhibition on at the Arts Pavilion in Hong Kong July 29 – August 20. Head over to McDonald’s Hong Kong’s 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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