"Materia Prima"
1999-08-19 until 1999-09-04
Para/Site
Sheung Wan, , HK Hong Kong

Materia Prima involves an exchange of artists between two artists organisations; Para/Site in Hong Kong and West Space in Australia. It takes the form of three artists from Hong Kong, Tsang Tak Ping, Kacey Wong and Ching Chin Wai, producing work on site at West Space in August 1999 and three Australian artists, Gregory Pryor, Janenne Eaton and Richard Holt, making work at Para/Site Art Space in November/December 1999.

The project title provides the basis of the curatorial brief for the project. Materia Prima (first material) is drawn from an ancient Chinese painting principle. From material (nature) to shape, that sees materiality as a significant factor in the formation of a picture.

Unique qualities, and characteristics of similarity between the two cities and their cultures will provide reference points for the work. Materials and objects will be sourced by the artists with assistance from the host organisation.

Geographical, cultural and institutional issues will be raised by the artists through personal and professional experience and knowledge. Micro and the macro perspectives will provide a field of possibilities for dialogue such as Footscray / Sheung Wan, Melbourne / Hong Kong, Australia / Hong Kong and language: English / Chinese.

Exhibition

The first part of Materia Prima sees the three artists from Hong Kong working at West Space 1-18 August. The work will be exhibited 19 August - 4 September at West Space.

Forum

West Space is presenting a forum for the visiting Hong Kong artists to showcase Para/Site Art Space and the work of Hong Kong artists on Saturday, 21 August, 2-4pm at RMIT Storey Hall Lecture Theatre.

Materia Prima has been developed through a solid professional relationship with Para/Site established with the Transaction project in 1998. West Space is pleased to be building on its excellent relationship with Para/Site in 1999. It is significant that both spaces are run by artists and represent leading examples of this type of organisation in their respective countries. Communication and dialogue amongst the artists and audiences involved with this project will help to generate more goodwill and professional interaction that will lead to further projects for other artists in Australia and Hong Kong.

Studio: 1 - 18 August 1999

Exhibition: 19 August - 4 September 1999

Exhibition opening: Friday 20 August 1999

Forum: Saturday 21 August 2-4pm

RMIT Storey Hall Lecture Theatre

Swanston St. Melbourne

Materia Prima has been generously assisted by Arts Victoria, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and RMIT University.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Hong Kong

Other Important Exhibitions in Hong Kong