When a wall is more than just a wall – artists’ Hong Kong exhibition a study in contrasts and context

Robin Rhode sees exhibition as ‘an interesting conversation between two artists on the same surface’, where he and Nari Ward explore history and identity

The exhibition features installations such as a large clenched fist made from shoelaces, and photographs of the creation of an infinity symbol

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Artists Robin Rhode and Nari Ward share an understanding of how a society bonds when it is in flux, as seen in their joint exhibition in Hong Kong, Robin Rhode & Nari Ward: Power Wall.

Published: 11:00am, 17 Apr 2020Updated: 11:46am, 17 Apr 2020

A large clenched fist composed of shoelaces is embedded in the wall of Lehmann Maupin gallery in Hong Kong’s Central district.

Contemporary artist Nari Ward’s installation Power Wall – People Power evokes a sense of solidarity. Success in the fight against Covid-19 hinges on everyone being socially responsible and community-minded, the artist says.

Sharing this exhibition, titled “Robin Rhode & Nari Ward: Power Wall”, is Robin Rhode. Both artists understand how social bonds grow stronger when society is in flux.

Rhode had an exhibition in Hong Kong in September 2014, days before the Occupy Central protest movement began. He sees a change in the city’s attitude towards politics since then.

Robin Rhode had an exhibition in Hong Kong in September 2014, days before the Occupy Central protest movement began. He sees how the city has changed since then. Photo: courtesy of Robin Rhode and Lehmann Maupin, New York, Hong Kong, and Seoul

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