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EVENT DESCRIPTION
JPS Gallery is pleased to present The End is Another Beginning, a solo exhibition by Jackie Lam a.k.a. 009, on view at the gallery’s Hong Kong location. The presented show marks the second solo exhibition of the artist with the gallery, showcasing a series of works that returns to themes explored in 009’s earlier exhibitions, which reflect on the emotional transition after bereavement as he navigates the journey of loss, grief and hope.
Following Life like a galaxy railway in 2020 and Space Time of Love in 2021, this exhibition is temporarily the last instalment of the Galaxy Exhibitions series. As 009’s character astronaut Unio nears the end of a three year long exploration of the philosophical doctrines of fatalism within this vast universe, the new series of works presents a more evolved and wiser version of Unio.
(009’s Stardust Space) installation is one of the major highlights of the exhibition curation. The installation is a small room that transforms the stars in 009’s works into a perceptual experience through projection – offering a chance to look into an illusion of space and allow viewers to fully immerse themselves into the artist’s imagination. Each work is autobiographical – representing a sensation and emotion that the artist overcame in the moment of creating the work. In addition, the exhibition will also display a limited-edition sculpture, allowing viewers to experience the artist’s macrocosm in different ways.
To create works fuelled with a ferocity of feelings, 009 would start painting when he had reached an emotional breaking point and use painting as a means of catharsis. Therefore, his expressive brushstrokes and built-up layers of composition are as complex as the experiences and emotions he is trying to evoke.This exhibition encapsulates the critical moments of self-reflection the artist has experienced during one of the most significant turning point in his life.As the exhibition title implies, these works mark the end of a chapter and beginning of another.
ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER
009 engages in the dialogue between reality and fantasy in a distinct style, exploring philosophy and psychology topics while frequently making references to specific environments and locations.The artist’s love for comics is not only reflected in his endearingly eccentric works but also in his artist name 009, which is a homage to the manga series Cyborg 009 by legendary manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. He draws inspiration from Japanese manga, comics and European modernist movement, wielding these various methods to create emotionally saturated visuals that are manifested through his vivid and vibrant works. There is a unique warmth to his work that is endearing, relatable, yet reflective to many.
009 graduated from the First Institute of Art and Design in Hong Kong and worked as a toy designer and theme park architect before beginning his artistic journey as an illustrator and cartoonist. In 2009, he published his first illustration book Drawin9 Life. Besides painting, 009 also produces art toys, including his most recent character, astronaut Unio, that were met with immense popularity across Asia.
