Pearl River Mart was proud to partner with curator Albert Chau (also known as Grumpy Bert) on the 11th installment of his popular, long-running annual Red Envelope Show. 

Whether or not you grew up in a Chinese household, you might know the tradition of the red envelope. Called hong bao in Mandarin and lai see in Cantonese, they’re an integral part of a variety of celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, and Lunar New Year. On Lunar New Year, married couples typically give these envelopes full of lucky money to children and the unattached, but in reality anyone can give and receive them. 

While the hong bao in the Red Envelope Show weren't full of money (although some have surprise gifts), they were rife with meaning. In its 11th year, the show features contemporary artists and illustrators from across the country and their interpretations of this iconic Lunar New Year tradition. Many are renditions on the Year of the Horse, whether whimsical, humorous, edgy, or simply adorable, while others feature the artists’ personal loves, such as favorite foods, space, or cats.

Participating artists

Learn more 

• Interview with Albert Chau
• Press release