四位亞洲藝術家 — 劉啟舜、金元根、謝森龍異及萬歲少女，分別以立體及平面作品來呈現不同人物角色的故事及經歷，開啟觀眾無限的想像……

Four Asian artists, Cassian Lau, Kim Won Geun, Sam Tse, and Vivagirl, participate in the exhibition, presenting the stories and experiences of different character roles through both three-dimensional and two-dimensional works, opening up limitless imagination for the audience…

Why it matters:

「If I Were」希望藉由藝術家輕鬆幽默的作品在虛構的人物中流露出的真實情感與自我，也讓觀眾反思無論處於什麼角色，我們都不要忘記展現真實的自己。今次策劃主題具焦在「人」，邀請參展的四位藝術家他們創作的共同點都是「人物」，由人物的外型、表情及年紀來詮釋角色的內心，有表現童真、耍帥愛美的少年；有外表冷酷卻內心溫柔的大肚腩韓國大叔；有勇敢追尋自己夢想的青年人，還有天真無邪的夢幻少女。立體與平面的作品透過想像及虛擬的現實來呈現，並且反映藝術家自身可愛、溫暖及勇敢的一面，以及他們所經歷的成長記憶。

“If I Were” aims to reveal the real emotions and self through the artists’ light-hearted and humorous works in fictional characters, also prompting the audience to reflect on showing our true selves, no matter what role we are in. This time, the curatorial theme focuses on “people,” inviting four artists whose common point in their creations is “characters.” They interpret characters’ inner world through their appearances, expressions, and ages. There are portrayals of childlike innocence, handsome and beauty-loving teenagers, a cool-looking but tender-hearted Korean “uncle” with a big belly, young individuals bravely chasing their dreams, and innocent, dreamlike girls. The works, both three-dimensional and two-dimensional, are presented through imagination and virtual reality, reflecting the artists’ charming, warm, and brave sides and their memories of personal growth.

4 Highlights:

• 金元根與萬歲少女則是以立體雕塑創作塑造人物外型特質傳達人物內心與藝術家情感。金元根創作主要以「韓國男人」意象為主。他擅長雕塑創作，作品面無表情的臉，表達出韓國男人不會輕易透露心情、想法的社會文化，然而冷酷的外表下又藏著溫暖和溫柔的內心。以意想不到的脆弱和幽默來描繪黑社會人物，如短髮、大肚腩、紮進褲子的印花襯衫以及瞇瞇眼。他的作品一方面刻畫韓國大叔角色，另一方面亦是自己的肖像，反映他的生活經歷和展現韓國的特殊文化背景。作品人物乍看冷漠無情，但透過微笑展現了人物內心的美。除了雕刻人物外型，他也會在雕塑表面繪畫，他的作品既是立體也是平面創作，雕塑和繪畫之間的互助互補也令作品增色不少。
• This exhibition visit begins by gradually leading the audience into the inner world and story of the characters that the artist aims to convey, through the sculptural artworks. Artists Kim Won Geun and Vivagirl create sculptures to shape the physical characteristics of the characters and convey their inner emotions and the artist’s sentiments. Kim Won Geun’s creations primarily revolve around the imagery of “Korean uncles.” He excels in sculpture and his works depict expressionless faces, reflecting the social and cultural norms in Korea where men do not easily reveal their emotions or thoughts. However, beneath their cold exteriors lie warm and gentle hearts. He portrays underworld characters with unexpected vulnerability and humor, such as short hair, big bellies, patterned shirts tucked into pants and narrowed eyes. His works not only depict the image of Korean middle-aged men but also serve as self-portraits, reflecting his life experiences and showcasing the unique cultural background of Korea. While the characters in his works may initially appear indifferent and emotionless, their inner beauty is revealed through smiles. In addition to sculpting the physical appearance of the characters, he also incorporates painting on the surface of the sculptures. His works encompass both three-dimensional and two-dimensional elements, and the synergy and complementarity between sculpture and painting with depth and richness to the artwork.

• 萬歲少女創作主要以「女孩」意象為主。以雕塑及平面繪畫表現俏麗的造型的少女，呈現純真夢幻少女心境中不同的故事與情境。虛擬幻想的少女角色無論心情的悲喜起落，少女總是能自我療癒，並在愛裡重獲勇氣與希望。作品反映出自己及每個人心中的那個少女，可以在擦乾眼淚後微笑，在愛裡勇敢，希望作品能帶給大家溫暖療癒的幸福感。
• On the other hand, Vivagirl’s creations primarily revolve around the imagery of “Girls.” Through sculpture and paintings, she depicts charming and stylish girls, presenting different stories and scenarios inspired by their innocent and dreamy mindset. The virtual and fantastical girl characters, despite experiencing ups and downs in their emotions, always find solace within themselves and regain courage and hope through love. The artworks reflect the artist’s own inner girl and the girl within everyone, who can smile after wiping away tears and be brave in love. The artist hopes that her works can bring warmth, healing and a sense of happiness to everyone.

• 藝術家劉啟舜及謝森龍異兩位平面創作，透過畫筆完成多幅保有純真童心，且融合香港潮流文化的作品。劉啟舜以「香港少年男女(10-18歲)」意象為主，以壓克力顏料為媒介，透過鮮豔誇張色彩與線條繪出無拘無束、耍帥愛美及有著逗趣詼諧行為表現的少年，在他們多彩多姿的夢想世界裡揮灑青春。
• Artists Cassian Lau and Sam Tse each have their own distinctive style in their graphic creations. They use brushes to create multiple artworks that embody innocence and integrate Hong Kong’s trendy culture. Cassian Lau focuses on the imagery of “Hong Kong youth (aged 10-18)” using acrylic paint as his medium. Through vibrant and exaggerated colors and lines, he depicts the carefree, stylish, and whimsical behaviors of the youth within their colorful and dreamlike world of aspirations. 

• 謝森龍異創作主要以「香港青年男女(15-25歲)」意象為主，以鋼筆和水彩為媒介及漫畫風格畫出香港時下潮流的年輕人。藝術家嘗試投入其中，想像成長於香港獨特高度密集的居住環境，由無數狹小的方塊單位組成的舊式屋邨，在這種刻板環境的年青人他們對自己成長的地方及本地文化意識增強，勇於嘗試及接受挑戰，展現活力、表達自我個性及追尋夢，想造夢成真的模樣。畫面呈現出新舊交織的夢幻，想像力的宇宙可以無限大，看看如何一筆又一筆的⋯⋯畫出彩虹以及對未來的憧憬。
• Sam Tse’s creations primarily revolve around the imagery of “Hong Kong young adults (aged 15-25),” using fountain pen and watercolor as mediums to depict the trendy youth of Hong Kong in a comic book style. The artist endeavors to immerse themselves in the unique and densely populated living environment of Hong Kong, the old-style housing estate design consists of numerous cubicle units, like building blocks stacked up to form a barrier, which stand crisscrossed in the city. The adolescents who grew up in such a mechanical environment gradually become more aware of their place and local culture. Young people show their vitality, express their courage and individuality, and pursue their dreams. The artwork presents a dreamlike fusion of the old and the new, where the universe of imagination knows no bounds. It explores how stroke by stroke, they paint rainbows and express their aspirations for the future.

Background — Artspace K

2020 年成立，位於淺水灣影灣園 (前淺水灣酒店)，為推廣當代藝術的平臺，以「生活與藝術」為核心理念，用策劃展覽的模式，深入介紹各地當代藝術家與推廣她們的作品。

Established in 2020, Artspace K at The Repulse Bay Arcade (former Repulse Bay Hotel) is a platform promoting contemporary art. Centered on “life and art”, we are dedicated to the presentation of artists and their works through specially curated exhibitions. 

Final Tips:

展覽中雕塑與繪畫並存於同一個空間，帶給觀眾雙重視覺觸感受，增添觀展的節奏與動感。

The exhibition features a combination of sculptures and paintings within the same space, providing the audience with a dual visual and tactile experience. This arrangement enhances the rhythm and dynamic atmosphere of the exhibition.

If I Were…
Date:
2024. 7. 04 – 2024. 10. 27
Venue:
Artspace K
香港淺水灣道109號影灣園商場G105-106｜G105 – 106, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong

Courtesy of artists Cassian Lau, Kim Won Geun, Sam Tse, and Vivagirl and Artspace K