“In the year 366 AD, a monk named Lezun embarked on a journey to the Angquanzi Valley, in search of a serene place for spiritual practice. To his amazement, he witnessed a spectacle of golden light emanating from the Three Dangerous Mountains, as if countless Buddhas were revealed within the radiance. He then carved the first cave of the Mogao Grottoes, establishing it as his place of cultivation, with the tranquil chambers on the cliff transforming into celestial abodes of the Buddha.“

This exhibition draws inspiration from the story of Lezun Carving the First Cave of the Mogao Grottoes and aims to “construct” a landscape of interconnected caves. Through a contemporary interpretation of traditional landscape painting, it responds to the absurdity of the world and the inner struggles. The exhibition consists of two parts. The first part visually presents the landscapes inside and outside the caves from a first-person perspective. By deconstructing the conventional visual and traditional landscape patterns, it reconstructs a crowded yet solitary alternate space. This expresses resistance towards the external world while seeking solace for the spirit. The second part further deconstructs the landscapes, presenting them through architectural model accessories. It reveals the fictional and assembled nature behind the creative process, inviting the audience to collectively imagine and "construct" their own caves.

Opening Reception: March 16, 2024, Sat, 2-6 pm

Gallery address: 2/F, East 17, No. 17 Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan