HKMoA 'In-Between' exhibition shows lesser-known works by leading artists

HKMoA has also invited local designer Choi Kim-hung as the Lead Artist of this exhibition, who delves into the ‘Art as Practice’ concept under the In-Between theme and works with seven other artists — Hamlet Auyeung; Chan Chi-keung, Matthew; Leung Tsz-fung, Benny; Lam Wan-chak, Daniel; Miss Bean; Ho Pui-shan, Saki; and Mui Sze-wa Sarah. These artists respond to the in-between moments or the changes they are facing in life through creative works in various art media.

Every decade in life marks a new milestone, a new chapter in one’s life. Turning 40 has inspired multimedia artist, performing artist and graphic designer Benny Leung Tsz-Fung’s 1982 (2022). Titled after the year of his birth, the piece questions the pivotal moments of doubts and decisions. At the age of 40, Benny has experienced several turning points in life and reflects on how his choices have shaped the path that he is on. His work is a collective of video interviews of other 40 year old’s who respond to role identity and life choices through screen images. Through an interactive screen, the viewer can complete a survey which will bring up the most resonating clip to the individual. 

Inspired by French psychologist Jacques Lacan’s Gaze Theory, the order of seeing and reproducing things based on an individual’s awareness and perception of other individuals, groups or oneself. To create In-between gaze border (2022), artist Miss Bean conducted a social media call-out to request volunteers to share an image of their ‘gaze’ to contribute to this piece which is a product of a diverse culmination of eyes. The concept blurs the line between reality and the virtual world and questions how humans see and are seen, and projects the private gaze in a collection openly. The 360-degree installation allows the viewer to step inside and immerse themselves within the piece and view the artwork in its entirety from all angles and depths. 

Blending the rationality and structure of architecture with the sensuality of art, designer and architect Sarah Mui Sze-wa explores the symbiosis of the two studies in her commissioned work for the exhibition, In-between déjà vu (2022). Breaking down the boundaries of these polar concepts, she presents the two sides of each discipline in a way where they are separate yet coexist. Stretching beyond the commercialism of urban living space, she integrates art that can be shared and interacted with. In-between déjà vu nails the exhibition’s concept on the head, using scientific geometry to create fluidity in her piece, the work transitions between the interior and exterior of the museum, creating connection and relatability while also maintaining separation.

As a branding designer, Daniel Lam Wang-chak has been examining life and questioning visual systems through his works. In contrast to his personal life, he attempts to regain purity and innocence from his childhood while at the same time pushing the frontiers of visual art form in response to a desire for borderless dimension and creative freedom. In-between desires (2022) plays with light and shadow to illustrate how desires are repressed. The artwork is displayed in a narrow corridor and immerses the viewer in a meandering performance of transforming objects. 

Catch In-Between from now until March 29, 2023, at Hong Kong Museum of Art. Visit hk.art.museum for more information.