The third exhibition in Tai Kwun Contemporary’s Open Call for curatorial proposals, Poetic Heritage aims to reflect Tai Kwun’s commitment in providing a platform for artists and curators to explore and create. Curated by Tam Hok-nang Alex, the exhibition looks into the relationships between heritage and contemporary art through the works of six artists and artist groups from Hong Kong and beyond.
One major theme of Poetic Heritage is exploring how discarded objects might have the potential to be considered “heritage”. By salvaging certain discarded materials, artists in this exhibition prompt discussion about what differentiates art, heritage, and debris – as well as what is worth preserving; in this way, they also reveal neglected, forgotten, or untold stories.
Another theme of the exhibition revolves around identity, and the problems around essentialist and homogeneous notions of heritage, as they marginalise non-dominant groups and values. By intervening and responding creatively, the artists are urging heritage conservation to become an active and creative process.
Featured artists
- Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan (the Philippines)
- Ursula Biemann (Switzerland) & Paulo Tavares (Brazil)
- Leelee Chan (Hong Kong)
- Leung Mee-ping (Hong Kong)
- Jorge Otero-Pailos (Spain/US)
- Annie Wan Lai-kuen (Hong Kong)