Yacine Bensalem: Inverse / Tension II

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Architect and designer Yacine Bensalem presents Inverse/Tension II, an exploration of Hong Kong’s distinctive urban landscape and its untapped potential for transformation. Hosted at La Galerie Paris 1839 as part of the BODW in the City program, the artwork reveals the beauty of contrasts, the depth of duality, and the narrative richness of the city’s architecture.

Hong Kong’s urban fabric is layered with history, functionality, and raw humanity. “This city tells its story through its worn-down facades, clusters of vibrant signboards, exposed pipes, dripping AC condensers, and flashes of nature reclaiming its place,” says Bensalem. Inverse/Tension II draws inspiration from these organic stratifications, transforming everyday interiors into spaces of imagination and contemplation.

The piece juxtaposes rough natural rock with polished brass elements, representing a dialogue between rawness and refinement, permanence, and possibility. Sleek, molten steel blades uphold the monolithic stone structure—a contemporary sculptural megalith that serves as a poetic ode to Hong Kong, a city defined by its precarious balance and the tension that fuels its evolution. At the heart of the piece are the Foo Lion Dogs, powerful cultural symbols that embody a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness, wisdom and power. A mirror transforms the male lion into the female’s reflection, echoing the interconnectedness of opposites and the tension that arises from it.

Bensalem’s vision is deeply rooted in duality—a balance between opposites. “I wanted to highlight the imperfections and contrasts that give Hong Kong its unique character,” he explains. “This work is about inviting people to see beyond the surface. Even in the most unassuming corners of the city, there’s a story, a history, and an opportunity for beauty and reinvention.”

Inverse/Tension II celebrates Hong Kong’s layered identity—a space where the rugged and the refined converge to create something uniquely transformative.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Born in Algiers to Algerian and Bulgarian parents, Yacine Bensalem was educated in Milan and Paris, where he graduated from the Ecole d'Architecture Paris-Villemin (UP1). He has worked in Paris, Brussels, Milan and Singapore and is based in Hong Kong since 2007. In 27 years of professional experience, he has developed multidisciplinary expertise in architecture, interior design, and luxury interiors. Since 1997, he has successfully established architectural and interior design practices in Paris and Brussels. He also worked at a senior level for an international architecture firm in Asia. He then co-founded In Situ & Partners Ltd in 2011, specializing in luxury residential, corporate, and commercial projects.