Hong Kong art exhibition of Francis Bacon, George Condo and other artists’ portraits asks: what does it mean when one’s face ceases to be recognisable?
- Villepin gallery’s exhibition in Hong Kong presents works by painter Francis Bacon alongside those by Zeng Fanzhi, George Condo, Adrian Ghenie and Yukimasa Ida
- Together they show how the contorting and metamorphosing of the human face on canvas can lead to a layered exploration of humanity and identity
One’s face is inextricably tied to one’s identity, whether from the perspective of others or viewed in the mirror. In Chinese culture in particular, the concept of “face” has additional meaning – the phrase “saving face” means not humiliating others in public and allowing them to maintain their dignity, a basic demonstration of respect considered paramount in social relationships.
So what does it mean when one’s face changes or ceases to be recognisable?
A new exhibition at Hong Kong art gallery Villepin, titled “The Loss of a Human Face?”, tries to address that question.
Shown across three floors at the gallery’s location on Hollywood Road in Central, the exhibition presents works by the late British painter Francis Bacon alongside four contemporary artists: Zeng Fanzhi, George Condo, Adrian Ghenie and Yukimasa Ida.
Upon entering the building, viewers are first shown a short video about the history of portraiture while being momentarily immersed in a recreation of Bacon’s London studio, strewn with paint tubes, brushes and other materials.