He saw a parallel between the tedious task of applying repetitive techniques sometimes required to create a work of art and how artists too can find themselves in a zone where they are deeply involved in their creation, detached from the outside world.
“Spirituality doesn’t mean religious, it’s more about focusing on something that soothes the mind,” Poon says. “Of course, some pieces excite me more than they comfort me, but focusing on the details can distract you from other things.
“I feel like I’m in the zone when I concentrate on reading a work.”
Poon explores these similarities in “Mandala,” a group exhibition featuring five Hong Kong-based artists – Sam Cheng, Jess Leung, Fong Chim, Victor Chu and Damon Tong – which is running until June 12 at San Shao Gallery HK in Central.
Leon was initially concerned about the iterative process required to create the piece. white butterfly and White flower That would be boring. On the contrary, she found the process surprisingly calming.
“At first I was anxious, wanted to run away, but gradually I found harmony, peace, calm and a sense of emptiness,” she says, adding that although the patterns in her works may appear repetitive, “if you look closely, each butterfly or flower is different, and that’s what makes them unique to me.”
Cheng says each bean in his work is a different shape. Azuki beans Art reminds her of the different personalities of her friends. For her, art is when she feels most free.
“The world is full of restrictions and rules, it’s frustrating and too complicated. […] I find it difficult to communicate,” says Chen. “It’s only when I’m painting that I feel truly safe and comfortable.”
Chim says creating art is a cathartic process, which he likens to composing music.
“I think the soul is composed of rhythms, similar to music,” he says. “After I paint, it’s like listening to a series of tight melodies.”
“I feel happy, like water gushing out. Painting is like a spiritual activity. The moment I finish it, I feel relieved and my soul becomes stronger.”
Poon agrees.
“The process of Chinese calligraphy and painting has a calming ‘function’ like meditation,” he says. “Art therapy is a real profession that helps people through art creation.”
“Artists may not be aware of this ‘function’ when they are creating their art, they may not even think about it. I thought this was an interesting topic worth discussing, and that it would probably get more people talking about it.”
“Mandala”, Hong Kong San Shao Gallery, 1/F, Wilson House, 19 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2586 1018, until 12 June.
