REVIEW: A Must-See at Hollywood Road: W.H.Y. Gallery's "The Surreal and The Real"
What Do We Think?
By Martina M E Manalo
25 July 2022
A scorching hot Monday, on my way to a lunch gathering, a.k.a ‘not-being-an-introvert-for-an-hour-or-so’, I found myself stumbling upon this small spaced gallery full of surprises. W.H.Y. Gallery’s current show “The Surreal And The Real” is the gallery’s debut exhibition that opened in late May. The exhibition features pieces from George Condo, Tagami Masakatsu, Enej Gala, Liu Hong Wei, Agnes Guido and Zhang Gong— all who showcase surreal pieces at different stages of their artistic path.
Chinese Modern & Contemporary painter, Liu Hong Wei has fashioned a fantasy world that is full of nostalgia, while seemingly captivating the viewer into a dream-like state. The artist creates images of frolicking, and yet a solemn modern life by incorporating architecture, children and a calming selection of colours all together. In “Cloud Behind the Door” , I was fixated at the different elements of the dramatic image, and the rich texture as I admire the unending narrative of what perhaps was an excerpt from a story book.
A slightly unsettling work at the far end of the gallery, is Tagami Masakatsu’s “Untitled”. The self-taught artist has developed different skills using various materials, while the striking detail make each element almost seem real. If you really look at it, the work seems to evoke the purest mystery about humanity—the melancholy, solitude, and a sense of alienation, that just leaves a heavy feeling in your chest.
Lastly, another memorable piece that is definitely worth a mention, is one by George Condo (of course! ). The renowned contemporary artist known for his unique figurative creations has his work “International Food Money” displayed. Like most his pieces—belligerent, powerful, symbolic, and a reconstruction of different masters’ creations that he turn into his ‘own’.
What may seem like ‘just-another-contemporary-art-gallery’ along Hollywood Road, W.H.Y. Gallery is actually an impressive contemporary space, with a stirring collection of artwork from various selected artists around the globe.
“The Surreal and The Real” will be on view through 1 August. Don’t forget to visit the gallery before it’s too late!
To know more about the gallery, please view or contact:
G/F- 1/F, 54 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2398-8368 | WhatsApp(852) 5500-0250
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