Crossing Paths
(In Group Show: RESIDUAL)

Organiser

MA Fine Art @UCA x South Hill Park Art Centre (Curated by Andrea Gregson)

Year

2023

Location

South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, UK RG12 7PA

Details of the show: https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/ma-fine-art-farnham-group-show/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpUsuKWo-j8/

This is the first public exhibition of my artwork and the first time I work on such a large scale of drawing.

As a Hongkonger, South Hill Park and I crossed paths when Sir James Matheson, the owner from 1852-1853, co-founded the Jardine, Matheson & Company Ltd with William Jardine. This company was heavily involved in opium trading with China from 1830-1840, leading to the opium wars, and in turn, the Foundation of Hong Kong on 26 January 1841. Without this there would be no “Hong Kong”. JM & Co has been rooted there since 1844 and the Jardine House remains a building of significance. The intricate drawing reimagines our entwined histories with its complex pattern of mark making..

In dialogue with history

History tells us who we are.

Hong Kong was established on opium trades.

It is like the most beautiful flower grown from the most toxic dirt. Traces from the former colonist entangles with new identity formed under the current political crisis. As commented by my lecturer Andrea, one can imagine Sir James Matheson reading a book in the recital room where the artwork is displayed, while me, the artist walked into the same room and have the Matheson's face on the wall. They form an interesting conversation across space and time.