作為地球上的其中一員,人類經常為了一己之便,令其他物種的生活變得艱難。藝術家鄭波認為面對氣候及生態危機,人類應重建萬物平等共生的理念。由香港藝術發展局(藝發局)主辦、香港賽馬會慈善信託基金捐助的賽馬會藝壇新勢力將呈獻鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》(Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy?)。展覽於即日至4月25日,於嘉道理農場暨植物園展出。
In the face of climate change and ecological crisis, it is important for us humans to reconsider the concept of equality and how we can coexist with other living things. JOCKEY CLUB New Arts Power presents Zheng Bo’s visual arts exhibition Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy? at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) from now to 25 April 2021.

鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》裝置作品 Zheng Bo Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy? Installation Works
鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》是2018年泰國喀比雙年展同名作品的延續,靈感來自泰北農民Jon Jandai的TED Talk 演講「Life is easy. Why do we make it so hard?」,鄭氏後來將句子反轉作為展覽題目。他有感人類經常為一己私利,令其他物種的生存變得艱難,因此透過展覽,以提倡物種平等相處的理念,共同應對當前的氣候和生態危機。
Zheng Bo’s exhibition, titled Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy?, is inspired by the TED talk “Life is easy. Why do we make it so hard?” by Jon Jandai. The artist modifies Jon Jandai’s statement and expresses his apprehension about how human beings are making our lives easy at the expense of other species in nature. Through the exhibition, Zheng encourages people to reflect and live in harmony with other species, for the common good and in coping with the current climate and ecological crisis.

鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》裝置作品 Zheng Bo Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy? Installation Works
是次展覽選址嘉道理農場暨植物園,鄭氏將聯同該園蘭花專家紀仕勳博士(Dr. Stephan Gale),從本地蘭花中挑選合適品種,栽培出富生命力的標語裝置作品,於園內「葛先生花園」展出。另外,「藝舍」亦會展出鄭氏近年的植物速寫,以及有關是次創作的點滴及蘭花保育的資料。
Zheng’s work was first presented at Thailand Biennale Krabi in 2018. The evolving exhibition in Hong Kong takes place at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG). Here the artist works with resident ecologist Dr. Stephan Gale, growing the botanical slogan installation from a selection of local orchid species, which will be exhibited at Walter Kerr Gardens of KFBG. Zheng’s botanical sketch collection, the creative processes of the exhibition and the information about orchid conservation will also be on display at the Art House of KFBG.
展覽同時展出鄭波的日常速寫手稿,包括隔離期間,以及於香港不同郊野地點遠足的手稿。 Zheng’s botanical sketch collection
香港郊野公園的植物及物種之多,令出生於北京、現定居於香港大嶼山的鄭波十分驚訝。他表示:「香港地處南方,氣候潮濕,萬物充滿生機。這次我邀請了大嶼山的鄰居製作竹架,而紀仕勳博士選取本地蘭花製作文字裝置,懸掛於花園内。觀眾漫步其中重組字句、細賞寓意。我希望透過這種輕鬆的形式,讓更多人開始思考萬物平等及背後的迫切性。」
Born in Beijing and currently residing on Lantau Island, Zheng Bo is impressed by the abundance of varieties of plants and species in the country parks in Hong Kong. He says, “Located in Southern China, Hong Kong is noted for its humid climate and lushness of the vegetation. In creating these outdoor installations, I have invited my neighbours in Lantau Island to build bamboo supporting frames on which I adorn with orchids specially selected by Dr Stephan Gale from different locally grown species. The installation will be displayed in mid-air, the audience will have to look up to reconstruct the whole slogan. I hope by discovering this text, made of living plants, viewers will reflect on how lives are all created equal and how urgent is the crisis we are facing now.”
鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》裝置作品 Zheng Bo Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy? Installation Works
嘉道理農場暨植物園代表表示:「蘭花保育是本園植物保育工作其中一個重要範疇,我們利用無菌種子培育法繁殖本土蘭花,並進行各種研究、文獻、展覽與教學,希望透過不同形式引起大家對蘭花保育的關注。我們很高興這次能與藝術家鄭波合作,並邀請到本園樹隊、蘭花組與藝術家團隊合力在園內搭建一個有趣而富啟發性的藝術裝置,讓觀眾置身綠林,啟廸心靈並豐富知識,反思當下我們與大自然的關係。」
Representative of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden says, “Orchid conservation is an important part of KFBG’s flora conservation work. In the hope of raising awareness for orchid and environmental conservation, we propagate native orchids from germ-free seeds. Meanwhie, we conduct different kinds of conservation research, publish academic literature and review as well as organise a number of exhibitions and comprehensive education courses on ecology and culture. We are excited to collaborate with artist Zheng Bo and his creative team, together with our tree team, orchid section, education department, to build an entrancing and inspiring art installation. Allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the forest, this installation also invites visitors to audience will enrich their knowledge and understanding of the environment, and ultimately, reflect on the relationship with nature.”
鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》裝置作品 Zheng Bo Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy? Installation Works
展覽期間另設展覽導賞團及網上影片兩項加料活動。
In addition to the exhibition, JCNAP will organise two extended activities, including guided tour and online videos.

展覽室內照片 Interior shot inside Art House
鄭波《生命如此艱難,何必搞得這麽簡單?》| Zheng Bo Life is hard. Why do we make it so easy?
Date: 2021.2.22 – 2021.4.25
Time: 09:30 – 16:00
Venue: 嘉道理農場暨植物園 – 葛先生花園及藝舍
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Walter Kerr Gardens and Art House
圖片由藝術家與賽馬會藝壇新勢力提供
Courtesy of the artist and JOCKEY CLUB New Arts Power