Reminiscences: Joshua Leung x Kwong Kwok Wai

2023 AUGUST - Galerie KOO, Hong Kong 

Exploring the relationship between people and the city is the central theme of Joshua Leung and Kwong Kwok Wai's work. Both are contemporary artists born and raised in Hong Kong, a unique place in terms of geography, culture and academic background, Leung and Kwong's work conveys a dense expression of urban conditions and their own feelings about living in the city.

Joshua believes that art is a powerful tool for communicating values and perspectives - a glue that binds communities together. His works are not only narratives rooted in reality but also, retain a sense of self- conscious spirituality that is intertwined with the abstraction of the subject matter.

For Kwok Wai finding 'Elysium' is a universal desire, he expressed it in a contemporary approach using abstractions to push the boundaries of interpretation. Using old local maps as a reference in his painting process, he transformed them into organic marks and shapes of a new imaginary land. For him, it’s a process of rebirth and reconciliation with the unknown self.

Both artists record their feelings about Hong Kong, hoping to build a bridge through their works, thus communicating with the viewer and creating resonance.

“We are delighted to showcase Joshua Leung’s and Kwong Kwok Wai’s artworks to art and culture enthusiasts in Hong Kong,” says Cecilia Koo, gallerist of Galerie Koo. “With their unique view and sensation, and together with their favourite distinct medium and technique, both artists personalize cityscapes of Hong Kong in their individual acclaimed style. Each artwork allows the viewer to be impacted in a different way, hence, ferment a personal feeling stemming from the imagination immersed.”