The Art of Hope

Australian artist Patricia Piccinini’s fantastical works have taken over Tai Kwun’s JC Contemporary in her debut Hong Kong show, “Hope”. Examining the relationship between science and humanity, the pieces include a chandelier of wigs and a floating flower field.

The Australian artist is known for her curiously lifelike sculptures, which use materials like silicone and human hair to realise a series of imagined creatures. Although seemingly inhuman, the artworks are brought to life by the very human emotions conveyed in their expressions and body language.

Piccinini is interested in the confluence of science and art, born out of her ruminations on the stressors facing humanity – whether that’s climate change, toxic internet culture, war or uncertainty around artificial intelligence. Above all, her work emphasises the importance of hope and how the creative and scientific communities can look for ways to collaborate on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“There seems to be so many things to worry about. I am interested in responding to these challenges that face us, but at the same time I don’t believe that fear is a very useful motivator,” she says. “Fear freezes us, but hope motivates us.”

Until 3 September.

Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central