Umarell

Period: July 8 - 24, 2023

Venue: Pao Galleries, 5/F., Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong

Curator Statement: Titled "Umarell", the exhibition sets the scene for the artists' reflection on the objectivity of seeing and art making. The Italian slang "umarell" refers to retirees who spend days watching construction works, offering unwanted advice to the workers. Words do not impede changes to their community, but they persist in expressing themselves with great gusto. On the other hand, the Chinese title traces back to the ancient literati who roamed around gardens, drinking, mingling, writing poems, expressing their sentiment and ambition despite being overlooked by majority. The context of the English and Chinese titles appears unrelated, but they synchronize and reflect similar situations of keen observers, and how they respond to changes with genuineness and optimism. In art practice, the act of observing different facets of the social environment activates the collision of transformational ideas. Wandering and seeing engender contemplation and lead to meaningful art pursuits. 

Artworks: Photography

• 2022-23, Inkjet Print on Fine Art Paper, 990 x 660mm (each) x 2
• 2022, Inkjet Print on Fine Art Paper, 500 x 750mm (each) x 3
• 2022, Inkjet Print on Fine Art Paper, 500 x 800mm