5 October – 21 December 2007
Anthony Key, Lisa Cheung, Nina Chua, and Pamela So
Do we take art too seriously? As artists, we can be over critical before we start the process of creation. Boutique is an entirely visceral exhibition, which features works by Anthony Key, Lisa Cheung, Nina Chua and Pamela So. The ‘act’ of making the work is the underlying theme that runs throughout this exhibition.
We invited each artist to respond to the aesthetic qualities of their chosen material, familiar objects that have frequently been used in previous pieces of work. They were asked to re-discover the personality of the material, whilst at the same time adding a new function to the art work.
Boutique reminds both the artist and the viewer of how crucial the process of making the artwork is in order to fulfil our visual enjoyment. All works share a delicate balance adding a physical as well as a functional quality, tempting us to reach out and touch.
Using Chinese cuisine to question the notion of identity, Anthony key focuses on a carton, a ready-made object often used by Chinese takeaways. Removing the cultural meaning, solely concentrating on the nature and structure of this shinny object, Key turns it into two brand new home accessories.
Lisa Cheung creates an interesting theory in merging design. She makes a chandelier out of cardboard and invites ceramic artist, Sonia Gonzáles Cambròn, to collaborate. Blending found objects and fabrications, she makes an art sculpture with a practical daily function, and exclusive designer product.
Nina Chua makes marks by printing and stitching. Each of the marks show a unique quality. Overlapping regular printed patterns and random stitching marks, Chua gives this conventional painting material an unusual liveliness.
Pamela So has conjured up a retro style boudoir in which elements of a dressing table mat appear in several guises – as a stencil drawing, print, wallpaper and jewellery. The whole installation is a blended collection of personal and cultural references.
