8 December 2011, Hong Kong —FORCES explores the works of five artists and how they interact. Playing on the idea of the Chinese five elements and the effects they have upon each other as a constant action and reaction. The system of five elements was used for describing interactions and relationships between phenomena. The artists in their processes all work in a way incorporating the forces of nature into their dynamic and use varying elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water creating a dialogue between them.
CAROL LEE MEI KUEN (Hong Kong, 1963)
In her latest work on burnt paper, Burning, Carol Lee Mei Kuen explores the mystic power of fire and its psychological state of emotional arousal.
Burning becomes a drawing tool to create lines, marks and tones that are the natural and the only languages between paper and fire. The transformation of fire to a burnt substance mirrors the dynamic beauty versus destruction, what is controlled and is uncontrolled. Her work is subtle and meticulous while investigating the philosophy of life and the flow of time. She expresses her emotions and attachments with the surroundings by playing with light, shadow, found objects and space.
This illustrates the special relationship between time and space, in which time is transformed into a physical space.
KEN MATSUBARA (Japan, 1949)
As part of the series The Possibility of Memory Ken Matsubara uses photos, movies, objects and collages to awaken the depths of people's memories. While roaming through time and space, a sea of memories floats to the surface.
The work Winter Dreams - Tide comes from his memory of the first time the artist went to the ocean at the age of three. His mother was laughing and calling him into the water. As he cautiously entered the ocean, he could feel the great force under his feet pulling him into the waves. To avoid being swept away, he firmly braced his legs wide apart. But, little by little, he began to sink. He tried to endure the weird anxiety at his feet, but before long he took a big gulp of seawater. Finally, his mother, laughing, came to scoop him up as he cried and held him in her arms.
Ken Matsubara uses his individual experiences in his work. Yet, beyond his own memories he shows an interest in the commonalities that exist in races and generations such as an endless DNA that is copied and inherited in memories.
LINDY LEE (Australia, 1954)
Acclaimed Australian artist Lindy Lee presents works inspired by the figure of Dogen, the 13th century Zen master. She explores her Chinese roots through the philosophies of Taoism, characterized by the awareness of man’s close relationship with nature and the universe.
Employing the ideas of chance and spontaneity, she creates a galaxy of imagery that emanates philosophical meditations on nature. Although her inspiration comes from both Zen and Tao Buddhism, her art practice is highly contemporary. With the traditional ideas of splashing ink on paper she throws molten bronze to create a kaleidoscope of objects somehow both figurative and abstract. The metal splats form a balance mirrored by their imperfections seemingly pushing and pulling each other within their composition.
Lindy Lee has exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally and her work is placed in museum collections. She is a Senior Lecturer, Chair of Painting at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.
WILLIAM FURNISS (UK, 1970)
One of Hong Kong most trained and prolific photographers presents new works of water reflections.
For Furniss, Hong Kong’s nightly electric skyline is the epitome of our city’s brash and reckless energy but given time and reflection what is on display proves infinitely more complex and astonishing.
With these latest works, Furniss uses a combination of old cameras fitted with various combinations of lenses and a digital back, melding classic photographic intelligence with the latest available technology for shooting in near-dark conditions. He meticulously creates his images “in camera” and hand-prints his own work.
This new series conveys more sensuality and tranquility than previous works offering abstract and meditative imagery.
XIAO LU (China, 1962)
Acclaimed for raising a gun and shooting at her work in the National Art Museum of China in February 1989 and immediately closing down the China Avant-Garde exhibition, Xiao Lu is today considered as China’s most influential and provocative female artist.
Love Lettersseries is inspired by the artist’s bitter experience of taking herbal medicine to keep her healthy during pregnancy. She composes with charcoal and Chinese herbal medicines to write about her inner thoughts and most genuine sentiments. Each enclosed letter takes the form of a secret. The piece acts as a catharsis for self-healing through the abstract expressions of a narrative.
Artist Lindy Lee will be in Hong Kong on the 8th and 9th December for the exhibition opening.
An exhibition of works by:
Carol Lee Mei Kuen (Hong Kong)
Ken Matsubara (Japan)
Lindy Lee (Australia)
William Furniss (UK / Hong Kong)
Xiao Lu (China)
From December 8th 2011 until February 2012.
