MASSIMODECARLO Hong Kong is pleased to announce Believe in Love, Jing Kewen’s second solo exhibition with the gallery. The exhibition presents the artist’s newest series of paintings portraying his personal collections, including both historical and stylish objects.

Known for painting after black-and-white photographs, Kewen is also passionate about collecting items with hidden stories, including seemingly mundane ones such as Coke cans and sneakers. These still-life objects, as witnesses of history, all come from different periods and have diverse backgrounds. To take an example, “Believe In Love 2022, No.3”, a limited edition Coke can with an image of a clown is depicted. The clown refers to a well-known circus from Russia, whereas the Coke brand itself is a potent symbol of American Culture. Through mixing meaning and image, the artist expresses a desire for global peace. The clown represents people who seek joy amidst sorrow and suffering, who pretend to be happy in the turbulent world- which may be many of us today.

Kewen enhances such meanings through clean and elaborate brushstrokes, and pure backgrounds which further focus the detailed renderings of subjects. The rich and vibrant colours offer a dreamlike effect in the paintings, which leads viewers to wonder if the subjects are real and authentic.

This exhibition incorporates history, politics, fashion, and cultural narratives, which ultimately lead to the concept of love — the strongest connections between human beings and the primary needs of the world today.

Gallery address: Shop 03-205A & 205B & 206, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, No. 10 Hollywood Road, Central