2024.09.24 - 2024.10.18

 

Exhibition Statement:

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Never willing to waste a sheet of paper,

I save and save

Then fold them into small, small boats

And throw them into the sea from my ship.

 

Some are blown back into the portholes,

Others are stuck on the stern, soaked by waves,

And I, undiscouraged, keep on folding and hoping

That one will finally reach its destination.

 

— Excerpt from "Paper Boats—to Mother" by Bing Xin

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Longing is the gentle gaze out the window at a distant view, the soft laughter that comes from watching a pet at play, the delicate paper boat drifting on the water, or the warmth of a tender embrace. At times, longing is simply the wish for a peaceful night’s sleep.

In this exhibition, Fung explores various forms of longing through the use of traditional gongbi painting techniques combined with Japanese gold and silver foil artistry. The depiction of animals, floral seas, ocean waves, and urban landscapes serves as a medium to delve into these emotions. In Fung’s work, snow leopards, dwelling in extreme environments, are not just fierce predators but also show strength and gentleness. This image contrasts and resonates with the urban animals portrayed in other works, further prompting reflection on the emotions of longing between humans and animals, as well as between people. The incorporation of Japanese gold and silver foil techniques enriches the visual texture and layers of the artwork, while also elevating the delicate emotions embedded within the pieces.