"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s

March in Hong Kong is a time filled with various cultural programs and events, spearheaded by significant art fairs like "Art Basel Hong Kong" and "Art Central." Amidst this bustling "Hong Kong Art Month," Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s is hosting a solo exhibition by graffiti-origin artist Aruta Soup.

Who is ARUTA SOUP?

"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s

Oscillations of Elation and Awe Woven Together

"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s

While the art world evolves rapidly day by day, the implicit understanding of appreciating artworks at a leisurely pace persists in the white cube environments of galleries and museums.

Aruta Soup's solo exhibition, as if to shatter such fixed notions, greets visitors with a vibrant array of pop and cute vivid artworks upon entering the exhibition from the elevator hall. The exhibition room, imbued with the artist's desire for visitors to experience the excitement akin to witnessing graffiti for the first time or entering a beloved club, makes highbrow art feel more approachable.

"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s

Yet, as one ventures further, the exhibition reveals a completely different facet. White and black. Rooms adorned in monochrome transform the vibrant space into something more ominous.

Aruta Soup, known for his strong emphasis on color, particularly focuses his passion on "line drawings." Monochrome artworks take center stage in this exhibition, embodying the enduring charm of art, resilient amidst the tumultuous waves of change in society.

What Does the Enigmatic Lying Rabbit See?

"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s

The sculpture of "ZERO," a rabbit lying alone in a dark room, accentuates the sense of mystery. In Aruta Soup's repertoire, the rabbit "ZERO" symbolizes the struggle to survive in this noise-ridden world, making it a pivotal presence for the artist.

Apart from paintings, "ZERO" has appeared in collaborations with sculptors and BE@R BRICK. However, in this exhibition, meticulous sculptures crafted with the collaboration of sculptors faithfully depict the artist's envisioned "ZERO."

For Aruta Soup, whose very existence is validated through creation, the realms of street and fine art blur profoundly. Hence, crafting artworks from various angles—be it on canvas, sculptures, or spatial arrangements—enables a diverse viewing experience throughout the exhibition.

What is a rabbit called "ZERO" ?

"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s

The opening reception on March 25th, coinciding with Hong Kong Art Month, attracted a large crowd. Visitors received postcards handwritten by the artist and participated in guided tours. Amidst the stark contrast of light and darkness, viewers were drawn into the enchanting allure of the exhibition, evoking a sense of otherworldly wonder.

Aruta Soup's solo exhibition "Ruins" at Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s runs from March 25th to May 11th, 2024. The artworks are also available for viewing online.

Aruta Soup: Ruins

"Aruta Soup: Ruins" Whitestone Gallery Hong Kong / H Queen’s