P R E S S R E L E A S E 18 September, 2000 Swire Properties Adds Russian Artist’s Work to its International Public Art Collection at Island East Swire Properties has furthered its arts commitment by adding “Ad Infinitum IE” (literally meaning “without meaning”) and “Ad Gloriam” (“for glory”), works of the renowned Russian artist, Zoya Frolova, to the Island East Art collection. The two monumental paintings are the first contemporary art pieces ever created by a Russian-American female artist of international stature at Oxford House. “Ad Infinitum IE” measures two meters high and six meters long while “Ad Gloriam” measures four by four meters. In the two paintings, the ancient tales of flight, “Icarus” and “hours” are explored and inter-woven into new visions of struggle and triumph by Frolova, who has been known for her unique application of ancient languages and mythologies in the works. In “Ad Finitum IE,” Frolova has reworked the Greek mythology “Icarus.” Instead of having his wings melted by the sun, Icarus is depicted as taking leaps into the boundless air and finally being transformed into a flying crane, a symbol of longevity and prosperity to many Asian cultures. “Ad Gloriam” portrays how “Horus,” an Egyptian mythical figure who represents the triumph of light over darkness, comes into contact with the sun amid the architectural ruins to complete his path for immortality. Latin phrases are also inscribed on the paintings along with these powerful imageries to further convey universal allegories of life. “Ad Infinitum IE” and “Ad Gloriam” are expressed in warm, vivid colors like orange and red on canvas using Frolova’s distinctive technique of applying glaze and varnish in layer after layer. Paints are first applied, then scraped off and re-applied with dry brushes so as to achieve a uniquely textured surface. Latin phrases are stenciled repeatedly onto the canvas and encaustic is employed to give the works even greater depth and richness. In “Ad Infinitum IE” and “Ad Gloriam,” Frolova has made two highly individual compositions specifically for the site. Both paintings can be viewed at the first floor lobby of Oxford House, enlivening the surrounding with their dramatic and superbly crafted images. With this long-term objective of promoting art and culture within the community, Swire Properties will continue to introduce more art pieces to this Island East office portfolio for public display. Strategically located between the Taikoo Station and the Quarry Bay MTR interchange, Island East incorporates the commercial, retail and residential centers of Taikoo Place, Cityplaza and Taikoo Shing. Ada Hung, PR Manager Swire Properties Limited.