Oscar Chan’s carpet represents a never-ending nightmare, resonating with the COVID-19-induced mental anguish suffered by many. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
The disruption of normal life over the past few months has stressed out people the world over and Hong Kong is no exception. The impact of increased stress, uncertainty and alienation on Hong Kong residents is under focus in a series of events titled Civil Society, Arts and Mental Balance, currently running at Goethe-Institut Hong Kong.
The multi-faceted program includes Tongueless, an exhibition curated by Wong Ka-ying, featuring six local artists whose works explore depression and other psychological illnesses. The show is complemented by an artist talk, guided tours and a panel discussion featuring leading mental health practitioners such as advisor to Mind HK, Elizabeth Wong and chairwoman of The Good Samaritans, Brenda Scofield.
For deep divers, Goethe-Institut will host a pilates workshop led by Passoverdance Studio’s Pandora Sin and a body-mind-soul breath workshop led by holistic therapist Thomas Amiard. Mental Regeneration with Magic Horizons offers a virtual reality program with relaxing immersive experiences that focus on nature. In addition, German author Thomas Melle will discuss living with bipolar disorder — the subject of his autobiography, The World at Your Back — in an online talk moderated by Birgit Bunzel Linder.
Almuth Meyer-Zollitsch, director of Goethe-Institut Hong Kong, feels it’s time the elephant of mental health issues in Hong Kong’s living room was addressed. “In a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong, three out of four respondents said that they had to deal with fears, depression and other severe symptoms of mental stress,” she explains. “We therefore want to ask the question: what is the relationship between civil society, art and individual mental balance?”
Wong Ka-ying, curator of Tongueless, says the show is an attempt to express pent-up emotions through art. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
As she likens artists to seismographs sensitive to individual and societal tensions, Meyer-Zollitsch feels that Tongueless provides a lens into the current issues Hong Kong is facing. “This is why we have invited curator Wong to develop a concept for an exhibition and propose artists to us who express a special perception of reality that invites the visitor to experience empathy,” she notes.
The idea of hosting talks and workshops to augment the viewing experience was felt strongly. “After all, it is very important to remove the taboo on the subject. In Western societies, there is a lot of talk about it and it is normal to seek therapeutic help to find inner balance. According to my observations, here in Asia, people tend to keep quiet when they themselves or a family member has mental issues. But hiding it can suffocate a person.”
Wong says she chose artists whose works she admired. “We can relate to those who have suffered from mental issues when we talk about emotions such as grief or anger — these feelings connect us,” says Wong. “The connections are sometimes beyond words, as each of our feelings are unique and can never be transmitted with the same exact form or content. Meaning is lost in the void between words and sentences. “Tongueless” may be a passive word, yet it underscores how even as we are unable to talk about our pain, we could still find a way to express those feelings through art.”
Half of the works exhibited are abstract while the other half embody metaphors or fables. Drawing attention to a video installation by Andy Li, Wong says, “The endless looping sea and sound of waves are linked to the depression caused by the lockdown experience and the artist’s urgency to strive for an outer space wide and big enough to soothe his emotions.”
Sea waves lapping endlessly in Andy Li’s video installation represent the artist’s longing to step out and enjoy the outdoors. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
“Oscar Chan’s carpet and Chloe Cheuk’s printer describe a never-ending nightmare where people are asked to act normal and happy, as if the pandemic never happened,” Wong adds.
She hopes visitors to the exhibition will find solace by looking at works that express their feelings of frustration. “People who crave art during the pandemic will find this exhibition an ideal place to breathe and meditate in,” she suggests.
As one of Hong Kong’s first multi-disciplinary events taking place in the physical space since the pandemic’s third wave subsided, the show is likely to find an appreciative audience, feels Meyer-Zollitsch. “Body and soul belong together, which is why a holistic approach is so important for the prevention of mental stress,” she says. “Our workshops on pilates and breathing techniques, led by experts, are aimed especially at people who have never tried such relaxation techniques before. They are easily accessible ways to find out what people can do for their own well-being.”
If you go
Civil Society, Arts and Mental Balance
Dates: Until Oct 22
Venue: Goethe-Institut Hong Kong, 14/F Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
