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.
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