Videotage is pleased to present Keith LAM’s solo exhibition, “(S)CUL(P)TURE”, from May 19 to June 8, 2013.

The idea of “Social Sculptures” comes from artist Joseph Beuys, who famously said: “Everyone is an artist”. It is based on the notion that everyone is reshaping or remaking society every minute of the day, and that this new world is extended from physical society to a virtual one.

“(S)CUL(P)TURE” extends the idea of “Social Sculptures” through individuals’ “actions of contribution”, melding together the physical world and the virtual world to create a real statue. In today’s social media, every message, every image and every voice is accompanied by a sense of instantaneity. Everyone is participating in the sculpting of this virtual space, but their actions and behaviours come from reality.

Artist Keith LAM captures social discussion online and transforms the data into a series of sculptures using new fabrication technology. The content of “(S)CUL(P)TURE” comes from two of the most popular news discussion websites in Hong Kong, House News and VJ Media.  The exhibition will be held at Videotage for three weeks, with a different focus each week based on the hottest issues of the day, such as Art Basel and June 4th. This is the use of art to reflect multiple facets of social phenomenons, an alternative form of Ukiyo-e.

On Sundays, there will also be live production of social sculptures and an opportunity to talk to our guest speakers on site. The interactive experience is inspired by the new media culture in Europe and North America, which combines digital creation and a relaxing atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy the pleasure of art away from the noise and chaos in society.

Topic 1: After the Rubber Duck – The Complex Matter of Curatorship in Hong Kong

Date: 19/5/2013 (Sun) | Time:  3:00pm – 4:15pm | Venue:   Videotage

Guest Speakers: Vivienne CHOW, Cyd HO Sau-Lan, LEUNG Po-Shan, YEUNG Tin-Shui [List in alphabetical order]

Description:

The issue of Hong Kong’s public art development is brought to the fore when M+ caused a stir by buying collections from foreign artists. At the same time, the growth of electronic media means that everyone can be an art critic. People begin to question what art is. I say the Rubber Duck is cute, you say turd is art. But does it mean Hong Kong people have developed a more profound vision towards art? Is the public looking at art differently since the arrival of both new hardware and software? Art Basel Hong Kong is now a highlight in the art world. While we are promoting this great international art carnival, how should the local art scene position itself? How do we set our own blueprint for the art industry? When a member of LegCo says, “art does not include politics”, how much progress can we ever make? Videotage has invited another member of LegCo, Cyd HO Sau-Lan, to come and talk about it. She has shown her concern in LegCo by questioning how the West Kowloon Cultural District can ensure the independence of its curatorship. We have also invited LEUNG Po-Shan, who is very active in both the cultural field and social movements; YEUNG Tin-Shui from House News, and Vivienne CHOW, who writes about art and culture for the South China Morning Post. Seizing the opportunity provided by this exhibition, we hope to create a new discussion platform for those concerned about the local art scene, so that we can see clearly through the current situation and step forward with more confidence.

Topic 2: June 4th – Will there be any breakthrough after 24 years?

Date: 26/5/2013 (Sun) | Time:  3:00pm – 4:15pm |Venue:   Videotage

Guest Speakers: Representatives of Students’ Union from City University of Hong Kong, LEE Chun-Fung, SHIU Ka-Chun and special guests  to be announced[List in alphabetical order]

Description:

After returning to China, politics in Hong Kong becomes more heated than ever. From students to workers, we are all courageously speaking out. It seems that most of us have started to realise that we should not take freedom and democracy for granted. 24 years have passed, and the June 4th vigil has become a part of Hong Kong. However, when the fight turns into ritual, when shouting becomes slogans, will there be any breakthrough in the near future? Can the new generation pass on the spirit? And where is Hong Kong politics heading in general? Recently, one of the Tiananmen Mothers , Zhang Xianling, donated the helmet worn by her son in Tiananmen to the June 4th Memorial Museum in Hong Kong – a moving reminder that we should carry on with  the fight. We have invited LEE Chun-Fung, core member of Woofer Ten, SHIU Ka-Chun, cultural critic, and representatives of the June 4th Memorial Museum from City University. We do not aim at a grand conclusion, but to create a space for people to share their reflection and expectation.

Topic 3: Is the HK$100 million revitalisation of Cattle Depot a crisis or a chance?

Date: 2/6/2013 (Sun) | Time: 3:00pm – 4:15pm | Venue:  Videotage

Guest Speakers:

Chris CHAN (Gallery Director of 1a Space in Cattle Depot Artist Village), Ger CHOI (Art Director of House News), May FUNG (Independent Cultural Worker), Mary Ann KING (Core Member, People’s Panel on West Kowloon) and Rosanda MOK (Kowloon City District Councilor)

Special Guest／Acknowledgement:

Vincent WONG (founder of Solution-On-Wheels) and his mobile studio “Solution-On-Wheels”

Description:

The government has announced that each district will be allocated HK$100 million for signature community projects. The Kowloon City District Council has proposed at the beginning of the year that they would use the money to develop the empty plot behind Cattle Depot and revivify the area. Videotage, as one of the users in the artist village, concerns about our future development. By the discussion on Sunday, we hope that we can build a bridge between artists and the government. How should the money be spent to help Cattle Depot’s sustainability? In reality, what is the expectation of the citizens in this district? The district council will greatly increase its responsibilities by spending the HK$100 million on new public space for local residents and on enhancing local culture. So, are there any opportunities for the win-win situation at the end? Videotage has invited the Kowloon City District Councilor, Rosanda MOK; core member of People’s Panel on West Kowloon, Mary Ann Pui-Wai KING; Gallery Director of 1a Space in Cattle Depot Artist Village, Chris CHAN; Art Director of House News, Ger CHOI and independent cultural worker, May FUNG. We have also invited Vincent WONG, and his mobile studio, Solution-On-Wheels.