Because of a DIOR advertisement, a young artist in Hong Kong has gained widespread attention, she is only 21-year-old Lean Lui. As a local artist and photographer, she exhibited at the Hong Kong International Photography Festival in 2018. Her first photography collection “19.29” was also exhibited at the Three Shadows Photography Award Exhibition in Beijing, making her the youngest artist in the photography award exhibition. Lean is also active in the fashion field, having photographed for several fashion magazines. Recently, she was boldly chosen by DIOR Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri to personally shoot the brand’s 2021 Cruise Collection advertisement, showcasing a vintage and poetic style that brings out the gentle yet strong side of women. Her work is filled with an artistic atmosphere like a painting.
To learn more about her style and see her other works, now is the chance, as she is currently holding an exhibition titled “Epoch” at the independent art space Tomorrow Maybe in Eaton HK, which is her last exhibition before leaving Hong Kong for further studies in the UK.
Delicate visuals and strong emotions
The “Epoch” exhibition brings together works from various aspects, serving as a summary for everyone to understand Lean’s journey to becoming an artist, up until her departure from Hong Kong to pursue a Master’s degree in Photography at the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Her works create a sharp contrast between appearance and content, incorporating everyday objects and abstract elements, both dreamy and metaphorical, while carrying an unusually strong and firm emotion. Each photograph not only showcases the innocence of youth but also exudes a sense of experience, as if presenting a world that is soft, tranquil, and intimate, capturing the beauty of purity that is fleeting yet profound.
Capture the infinite respect for women.
Lean’s photography deeply reveals her infinite admiration for the women around her, regardless of age, their skin appears elastic in the photos, exuding an elegant feeling under the lens, symbolizing the power hidden beneath the fragile exterior of women, with fellow women as pillars of strength. For example, inspired by Lean’s grandmother’s “As time passes…” series, it showcases the love, joy, and mutual appreciation among women of three generations living together, exploring the beauty of women from different eras. It is worth noting that although she uses white filters and frames, she blends the vulnerable feeling with beautiful elements, presenting the strong inner power of women.
Utilize symbols to connect personal experiences with flowers.
Lean is also good at using symbolic techniques. In the “One Person’s Operating Room” series, she uses flowers as symbols to evoke viewers’ associations. This series was inspired by Lean’s first surgery experience last year. At that time, she was partially anesthetized but still had a clear consciousness. During the 3-hour surgery process, she almost fainted due to excessive pain and lack of oxygen. Even though the nurses tried hard to distract her attention, they could not help her detach from the pain, making her feel that everyone’s physical or psychological pain belongs only to themselves. In the photos of this series, the flowers that are faintly visible are woven into the skin, becoming an extension of the flesh. This unbearable process brings out the pain that “she” has experienced, and when “she” is bound by flowers, she also becomes a beautiful and fleeting flower.
Mutual exploration through photography and video
“Epoch” also brings a short film shot by Lean’s sister Yvonne Lui, between the photography of Lean and the video of Yvonne, you can see each other’s images, peek into their private lives, performances, and the two of them playing around.
The exhibition has been extended until November 22nd, so why not take this opportunity to visit Eaton HK and appreciate this young artist’s series of wonderful works.
Date: From now until November 22
Time: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: 4th floor, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tomorrow Maybe
圖片來源：Tomorrow Maybe
