In November, visual artist Vera Chiu is hosting possibly her last Hong Kong exhibition at Hiding Place. With the title “Can Touch This/Can’t Touch This”, she wholeheartedly shares her thoughts and emotions about living in this metropolitan city with the audience.
The exhibition not only showcases artworks that Vera created on the island of Peng Chau, but also reviews her life in Hong Kong by reconstructing and reviewing her previous pieces. She reflects on her emotions by presenting her work publicly and honestly facing the audience. Emotions that are dealt with, neglected, or locked down are all splashed onto the canvas. She tells stories of happenings and sentiments that can easily be ours. To stay or to leave, the focus is on what we bring along on our journey.
Vera distinguishes between “Can Touch This” and “Can’t Touch This” artworks. Before saying her goodbyes, she wants her audience to finally enjoy the fun of going to an art exhibition. Works within the “Can Touch This” series welcome viewers to literally touch the works to satisfy their curiosity whilst visiting an art show.
As a creative, the categorisation is her way of understanding and admitting that there are things in life that cannot be set free or adequately expressed. It allows her to start her new life consciously. At the same time, as a person with mindfulness practice, “Can’t Touch This” is her way of promising herself and her viewers that she will face topics that can’t be touched. She encourages buyers of the “Can’t Touch This” series to keep in touch with her. When she is ready to face the significance of these artworks, she will give a full explanation as to what the artworks represent.
This exhibition might very well be the artist’s way of renewing her connections with her troubled hometown before she leaves. Who says those who choose to leave have fully withdrawn from what they love?
About Vera Chiu (@verachiutheartist)
With an academic background in Visual Communication Bachelor’s degree from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Visual Cultural Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Vera actually wishes art could be more down-to-earth. After her studies, she has since travelled the world and collaborated with artists and arts organisations by exhibiting and joining artist residencies. Through the constant exploration of techniques and materials, Vera finds that abstract art allows her to express herself freely. Utilising many colours and textures, Vera presents her thoughts and emotions three-dimensionally to her audiences. She not only exhibits her work within galleries but also develops mindfulness art workshops and art tours. She has taught in schools, private organisations and art centres for over ten years. She hopes more people can understand the seemingly simple yet abstract message of self-love through their creative process.