The word 'orange' has two distinct yet synchronic meanings in English - orange refers to both the fruit and the color. Two meanings are closely linked because the color of an orange fruit is orange while orange reflects itself as its color. Which came first, the color orange or the fruit? And why was the orange named after its own color, while a banana was not called 'yellow.'

orange Orange is an art exhibition which questions the notion of socially engaged art and community art in Hong Kong by introducing co-creation frameworks that involve the community in the art-making process. The show features the works of artists from Ipseng and Gabby & Darren, as well as the dialogue documentation and the collaborative process of participants from 1a Lab's Collage City who worked closely with these artists.

By involving the community in the creation of art, orange Orange creates a platform to think about mutual learning and shared experience in studio teaching. It highlights the ways in shared decision-making and yields effective outcomes. 'Effective' in this sense refers to the creation of a space where people - funding bodies, curators, working staffs, artists, workshop participants, exhibition viewers, and everyday people - can be connected, cared for, and have fun.

To curate a show with diverse works like this, is a little bit like dealing with oranges and bananas. Some of the messages are easy to read, others need to get decoded. Artists follow different strategies as the participants look at works of art with diverse backgrounds and experiences. orange Orange wants to invite all of us to leave the limits of ours. 

Opening Reception｜9 June 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.

Gallery address: Unit 14, Cattle Depot Artist Village