EVENT DESCRIPTION
otherthings by THE SHOPHOUSE is pleased to present the exhibition The Rule of Three, featuring new works by Karena Lam, Hilarie Hon, and Olivier Cong. Presenting a compelling investigation into the symbolic and structural significance of the number three in art, the exhibition explores how triadic principles—balance, harmony, and complexity—manifest across different artistic mediums. Each artist brings a distinct perspective, rooted in ceramics, paintings, and composed music, yet their collective con tributions create a unified dialogue on the interplay of form, material, and perception. The Rule of Three demonstrates the enduring power of triadic structures in artistic expression, fostering a multi-sensory experience that bridges individual and collaborative creativity.
Karena Lam’s ceramic works exemplify a deep engagement with materiality, treating clay not merely as a medium to be shaped but as an active participant in the creative process. Her approach is conversational—she responds to the inherent nature of clay, allowing it to develop organically. This method aligns with the theme of balance, as her ceramics embody a dialogue between artist and material, while also between intention and organic form. Her pieces evoke the earth’s tactile essence, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of texture, weight, and form—a testament to the triadic relationship between maker, medium, and observer.
Olivier Cong’s contributions introduce an auditory dimension to the exhibition, exploring how sound interacts with visual and tactile elements. His composed music creates a context of “made-up folklores” to accompany the presence of the totems, with urban or folk singing and humming for the individual moon jars made by Karena Lam. While his compositions, an interplay between noise and silence, are characterised by rhythmic and emotive qualities – also like an invisible crowd that contrasts the solo traveller figures in Hilarie Hon’s works.
