Using my religion
An artistic creation is often seen as a spiritual act, an attempt to articulate something transcendental. As Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini put it: 'Art is the most beautiful way for man to learn that he has a religious feeling.'
The photography of Patrick Lee embodies this spirit. Following a hiatus of a few years, the Hong Kong artist has unveiled his latest photographic works, A Return to Silence, in a solo exhibition at Art Statements Gallery. The 32 works - images of everyday objects that range from tree branches, dirty dishes to sunlight - speak in a hushed voice about the world of impermanence, paradox and hope.
Yet, A Return to Silence isn't only about looking at art; it is also an invitation for self-reflection and contemplation. Included in the exhibition are lines from the Jesuits' meditative prayer, the Examination of Consciousness, and a poem by Li Bai, Alone Looking at the Mountain, which celebrates forgetting one's self to be one with nature. 'I want to create a dialogue between the images and the texts,' the artist says.
The artworks are the fruit of Lee's recent spiritual exploration that began as a personal crisis.
'Two or three years ago, due to some unfortunate circumstances, I lost everything: my money, my reputation, my home,' the 58-year-old says. 'I felt very vulnerable; I was worthless. Without this worldly protection, I was defenceless.'
But he considers the misfortune a blessing in disguise. 'I found my true worth in God,' says Lee, who found solace not only in his Catholic faith but also in Buddhist philosophy. 'We always talk about the deluded self, but by letting go of one's self, we aren't attached to any concept and can become wiser.'
The photographs were taken over the past two years. When he put them together, they formed 'a virtual landscape', he says. 'They are able to reflect my feelings and experiences, they are a milestone in my journey to be a better person, a better Catholic.'
Born in Malaysia in 1949, Lee is a co-founder of Para/Site Art Space and an influential figure in Hong Kong's contemporary art scene. His works have been exhibited in Hong Kong and overseas, including Paris, New York, Toronto and Yokohama. Yet, as he's a doctor by day, he has little interest in artistic fame or success.
'I do photography as a therapeutic process,' says Lee, who moved to Hong Kong when he was 12. 'I use images to examine my own consciousness, to be in touch with my own feelings. When
I am attracted to an object, it forces me to be frank and confront my own emotions.'
'Patrick does photography for self-reflection,' says Dominique Perregaux of Art Statements Gallery, which also hosted Lee's solo exhibition, Look!, in 2004. 'He doesn't try to make art, but his works are totally qualified as art.'
Lee's artistic pursuit resembles that of scholarly artists in imperial China: aristocrats, literati and officials who regarded artistic vocation as part of self-perfection or xiu shen, the highest calling for a true gentleman.
'For about 20 years, all my works have been about a spiritual journey,' he says. 'They mark certain milestones in my life. They help me gain more understanding and insight to myself.'
His work evokes the traits of Chinese ink paintings, which can be mystically profound even without depicting any religious icons. His black-and-white series in 2000, Night Vigil, was a collection of intense and dark photographs of Hong Kong in the depth of night.
'I was suffering,' he says.
Look! - a collection of colour snapshots taken with a digital camera in 2004-2005 - is more uplifting. 'I found the answer and it was in front of me. I realised that nothing is permanent. But I appreciated what I had and I discovered joy, freedom and peace.'
The visual journey continues with A Return to Silence, which can be viewed as a spiritual evolution from the earlier series.
'After Look!, I thought I had found something, but I was still searching, I was still grabbing for something,' Lee says. As he lost his material possessions, he also experienced what he calls 'poverty of spirit'.
It was during the difficult phase, which he likened to the state of an empty vessel, that he found more and more similarities between Buddhism and Christianity.
'There is a story about a Buddhist monk who pours water into a vessel until it overflows. His novice is surprised and warns
the monk to stop,' Lee says. 'The story shows that only if a vessel is empty can it be filled and it is the same with us. It is also similar to what Jesus said, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven'.'
Lee says his interest in Buddhism nourishes and enriches his Christian belief. 'While I was dried up spiritually, I learnt another philosophy. By gaining the new insight, I regained what I'd lost.'
'I am calmer now,' he says about his latest inner struggle. 'I am still afraid, but not so afraid.'
But the photographer's spiritual journey is far from over. 'This is just another beginning,' he says.
'I don't want to be quickly satisfied and fall into the trap of arrogance and pride.'
A Return to Silence, Art Statements Gallery, 5 Mee Lun St, Central, ends Feb 29. Inquiries: 2122 9657
