Kevin Poon celebrates 40 years of McNuggets with an immersive exhibition experience

It's hard to imagine a life before McNuggets. The popular McDonald's menu item is the staple of many a visit, and this year they celebrate forty years of worldwide distribution. To mark the momentous anniversary, the Arts Pavilion in West Kowloon Cultural District has been transformed into an immersive exhibition space where McNugget-themed art, technology and culture converge.

Inspired by the instructions accompanying McNuggets — "Please Share" — the Coach McNugget Art World exhibition features 20 new works from five contemporary artists. These pieces look at the enduring popularity of Chicken McNuggets and focus on their cultural impact in the exhibition's home, Hong Kong.

Speaking to Creative Boom, Kevin Poon explains that the avant-garde artists on display present "distinctive interpretations of McNuggets" that encompass diverse perspectives and elements. Notable pieces include VANDYTHEPINK's reinterpretation of Coach McNugget and the designs of the McNugget team from 1983, plus artworks by Jon Burgerman, UFO907, Gyuhan Lee and FrankNitty 3000.

"The selection of artists for our McNugget 40th anniversary exhibition was a very intentional process," Kevin tells Creative Boom. "Our goal was to assemble a diverse group of artists, each offering a unique perspective on what McNugget represents to them and how it has influenced popular culture throughout the past four decades.

"We took great care in considering each artist's artistic style, background, and experience. Ultimately, we chose VANDYTHEPINK, Jon Burgerman, UFO907, Gyuhan Lee, and FrankNitty3000 because we believed their work would harmonise with one another, resulting in an immersive experience that seamlessly combines art, culture, and technology. We're excited to showcase their work and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic menu item."

Kevin adds that VANDYTHEPINK's reinvention of Coach McNuggets is a key component of the exhibition, as made evident by their inclusion in its name. "Coach McNuggets has long been the iconic character from the brand's marketing since the '80s," he says. "To commemorate the 40th anniversary, VANDYTHEPINK was invited to reimagine this beloved character in a vibrant pop art style.

"In addition to Coach McNugget, the artist also introduced Assistant Coach McNugget and four characters representing the typical shapes of McNuggets: Ball, Bell, Boot, and Bone."

Thanks to their artistic expression, Kevin adds that VANDYTHEPINK breathes "new life and personality" into each member of Team McNuggets. "Through their creative vision, the characters are transformed into visually captivating artworks that showcase the artist's unique style and interpretation."

He adds: "This reinvention of Coach McNuggets and the new team members adds an exciting and dynamic element to the exhibition, capturing viewers' imagination and leaving a lasting impression.

"The artist's ability to infuse familiar icons with fresh creativity is a testament to their artistic talent. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to engage with these reimagined characters, further enhancing their experience."

Team McNuggets merchandise is available at the exhibition, with profits donated to RMHC Hong Kong, a charity supporting families with terminally ill children.

Accompanying the artworks is a time tunnel that takes visitors through forty years of McDonald's rich history, plus interactive elements such as a Metaverse McNuggets crafter and the ability to create special laser tattoos.

"This exciting exploration of the past, present, and future of the fast-food icon Chicken McNuggets in Hong Kong is also an ode to the democratisation of art, inviting visitors from all walks of life to experience its magic," the Arts Pavillion concludes.