Axel Vervoordt Gallery Hong Kong is pleased to host the second solo exhibition of Belgian artist Angel Vergara, opening on 18 November 2023. The artist is currently in Hong Kong for a residency to create a series of new works through his famous ‘Straatman’ performance.

Straatman has always placed ‘the act of painting’ at the heart of his works and asserted its presence in the public space by working under a white sheet.

In this way, ‘Straatman’--Vergara’s alter ego hidden under a white canvas—has for over thirty years brought painting ‘out onto the street’. The concept of Straatman both attracts and keeps the viewer at a distance. Not being able to see well what is going on outside of his shelter, Straatman is inspired by his muted senses and imagination. He sketches on canvas whatever he can hear or observe around him, which is a way to give the audience a spontaneous participatory part in the creation process.

Vergara visited several places in Hong Kong last week including Tai Tam Reservoir, Lamma Island, and Shek O Beach, and he will continue until mid-November. In the meantime, the artist also turned the gallery’s second floor into his temporary studio to prepare and finish the paintings.

Gallery address: 21/F, Coda Designer Centre, 62 Wong Chuk Hang Road