'O'FLOW by Jun Jin Wu

中文版 - Chinese version      

Artist list

Jun Jin Wu

Most exhibits tailor-made for the show seems static, but with the physical interactions - wearing, playing, and even performing, the dynamic effects are unexpectedly triggered due to the deep concern from the artist towards the space-oriented interlocking architectures. A flowing rhythm founded by those dynamics, therefore, hit the imagination of either spectators or wearers. According to an essay stated by Dr. Si Qing Yao, curator of the exhibition, points that many of Jun Jin’s works are accessibly formed by the circulars, interlocked or interdependent, with a set of restrained, concise, and unadorned elements. "A well-selected archetypal form and its informed theories reveal the concentrations of her research, in which her subconscious-driven intention leads her to find out a universal starting point to beyond the boundaries of different languages, cultures, and regions, and to approach the maximized empathy through perceptions… When the concentric-ring-shaped pieces move around through the body, it provokes more concrete and sensory experiences, we could then vaguely hear the incredible sounds that are interacted by both chalcedony and metal, sterling silver for instance, to arouse a sort of cultural remembrances - a polished jade always be worn by a behaved gentleman (‘君子佩玉’ in Chinese), which is an ancient view roots in the classy culture of Chinese Confucianism. "

Ms. Liang Xiao, the founder of The Closer Gallery, says that the ring or the hole is the essence of jewellery. Generally, each piece of jewellery has a ring or a hole. The bangle, the necklace, and the chain evolve rings; The brooch must be pierced to connect with something else in a functional level. Jun Jin sensitively regards the ring as the theme of the project which highly emphasis that the ‘O’ is a universal image of basic shape, in the way, the individual expression of the ideas of the specific connection is reasonably possible.

From the artist's perspective, as an interest-led writer and translator, thinking of how to translate the notion of RING into Chinese has always been an issue in her mind. In western culture, ring is basically equivalent to circle, which refers to hollow ‘rings’ or ‘circles’ with a wide scope. As for the eastern culture, it is identified as a signifier that aims to discipline the behaviour of human body and to ornament the human finger only. This is not only about moral constraints, but also about religious discipline. It is fundamentally related to the idea of Zen finger and the concept of commandment of Buddhism, the Yama (a Sanskrit word which means control, restraint, and discipline) Ring, in Indian culture is especially so. To taste the differences and the sameness of two cultures, finding the extraordinary inside the ordinary, exploring the non-concrete functions with the concrete pieces, is becoming a subtle yet profound study.

>> Click here to download the exhibition catalogue

Curator: Dr. Si Qing Yao.
Graphic Design: Jun Jin Wu.
Spatial Design: Jun Jin Wu X Herbal Tea Design GRP.