There is a saying, “Misfortunes never come singly,” which conveys the meaning of multiple troubles happening at once. Local conceptual artist Gao Hong captures this sentiment in his work to express social inequality. Recently, the Karen Weber Gallery presented Gao Hong’s solo exhibition, showcasing a series of works inspired by marginalized groups in society.
The artist recycles everyday materials from the streets, such as used paper, packaging materials, and hotel soap bars, and then recreates them into iconic installations, each piece serves as a stark reminder of the widespread wealth disparity faced by Hong Kong and even globally. The works include hanging labor gloves commonly seen in grassroots life, makeshift beds, and disposable masks waiting to be reused.
Gao Hong observed: “We have been living with the 2019 coronavirus disease for about three years, it has become a part of our daily lives, seeming normal to some of us. Life goes on. It has introduced a new ‘normal’ mode to maintain daily activities and social functioning. It is easy for people to forget that some unfortunate individuals have lost their jobs and are struggling to get by. It is not difficult to find in the news headlines reports of stress and mental health issues caused by unemployment, living in cramped and rudimentary living spaces for long periods of time, and the inability to afford healthy food choices.”
The so-called misfortunes do not come alone, precisely pointing out these grassroots citizens who are trapped by the epidemic, while Gao Hong uses art to express social inequality. Through the exhibition, everyone may reconsider this long-standing social issue with a different visual perspective.
“The Roof Leaks During Continuous Night Rain” Solo Exhibition
Date: From now until September 17, 2022 (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Karen Weber Gallery, Wing Fook Building, 20 Aberdeen Street, Central
Image source and learn more: Karin Weber Gallery
