pure consciousness, 2024
barbed wire, glass sphere | 35 cm

the void [you are everything and nothing at the same time], 2024
acrylic, charcoal, ink on canvas | 90 x 70 cm

what is and what is not?

Alina R.J & Kelly Wu duo-show

The exhibition is a curated collection of visuals, written reflections, found objects, and artistic interpretations that embody the themes of transcendence, grounding and heritage. It delves into the spaces where the spiritual meets the physical, the abstract encounters the tangible, and where the eternal is mirrored in the ephemeral.

Written reflections by the artists explore the harmony between the spiritual and the material while also contemplating the role of ancestry and family, which are not opposing forces but are instead interconnected, each informing and enriching the other. These reflections invite the viewer to consider their own position within the spectrum of the transcendental and the grounded, inviting them to embrace the Taoist concept of ‘wu wei’ — effortless action — and to find peace in the natural flow of life. At the same time, they ask us to reflect on the roots that anchor us, providing stability and a sense of belonging in an ever-changing world.

Interspersed among these reflections are found object works, each carefully selected for their symbolic resonance. These objects, whether natural elements like coal and shells, or human-made artefacts like heirlooms or family photographs, represent the grounded aspect of our existence. They are tactile reminders of our connection to the earth, to history, and to the physical world we inhabit. Yet, when placed within the context of the exhibition, they also invite the viewer to see beyond their immediate form and consider their deeper, often spiritual, implications.

purgatory | 2024

2h performance at Mandy Zhang Art