The Philosophers: ETSU EGAMI × JY
HK H Queen’s 7-8/F
2023.03.17 - 04.06
In the midst of the pandemic, Egami ventured into her reading journey during social isolation. It has driven her to create a series of portraits of modern literary masters, and held a large-scale solo exhibition in GINZA SIX under the title "Star Time". Egami was deeply impressed by the book "The Analects of Confucius and Abacus" written by modern Japanese entrepreneur Shibusawa Eiichi. Her attention shifted from modern times to the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States Periods in China. She believes the philosophies of the Hundred Schools of Thought that emerged in the chaotic times consistently have a profound message to the ones living in the present. While contemplating the philosophical literature, the artist reflects on the modern social structure and begins to make portrayals of the ancient Chinese philosophers. This exhibition presents a series of Etsu Egami's symbolic portrait paintings. The paintings are characterized by bold and placid brushstrokes, as well as vivid and robust colors, capturing the essence of the Hundred Schools of Thought through the form composition. In consonance with the portraits, JY’s calligraphic works of the classic idioms are presented. The two open up a new space of thoughts and present a new art form.
The artworks of the two artists perfectly harmonize and complete this series of works. In the process of creation, the artists reconsider the relationship between portrait and text, image and language. Spanning more than 2,000 years, connecting the ancient and the present, the East and the West, and reshaping the glory of the old times in the form of dialogues between oil painting and calligraphy.
Those who are not credible with
their words will not carry them out either.
Mozi
The mirror is clear and nothing happens,
and beauty and evil are compared;
It is important to hold the right without doing anything.
Han Fei Zi
The wise find pleasure in water;
the virtuous find pleasure in hills.
Kongzi 01
Nature is the true law.
Xunzi
If advanced to dignity,
they made the whole kingdom
virtuous as well.
Mengzi
Look at the invisible, listen to the silent.
Guiguzi
The largest square has no corners,
The greatest vessel takes the longest to finish,
great music has the faintest notes,
the great form is without shape.
Laozi 02
A dancing butterfly
Zhuangzi
The art of war is of vital importance to the State.
It is a matter of life and death,
a road either to safety or to ruin.
Sun Tzu
ABOUT
ABOUT
2023.0317 - 04.06
HONG KONG / H Queen’s
Tel: +852 2523 8001
Fax: +852 2523 8005
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: Sunday, Monday