The Dance in Between
The “in between” is a state or a position that is in the middle of two things. Being in this state is like walking into a desert without a compass. Surrounded by nothing but sand, we find ourselves feeling lost, uncertain, insecure. An overwhelming feeling of fear takes over when this state involves our aspirations, dreams, career and relationships. In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to enter a collective state of in-betweenness. Instead of worrying about what is out of our control, why not learn to cherish the unknown?
The Dance in Between exhibition is a celebration of the in-between state that is often overlooked in the human experience. While moments in the “grey area” could be uncomfortable for the mind, the exhibition is an invitation for viewers to interact with the ambiguity of “neither black nor white”, in a playful, yet thought-provoking manner. Growing up familiar with the teachings of Zen, Hiroko Hongyok’s practice is inspired by the Japanese aesthetic ideal of “Ma” (間), which is defined as “the space between objects, the silence between sounds, the stillness between actions”. Hiroko represents “Ma” (間) through abstract forms that play deliberately with the boundaries of dichotomies; hovering in between expansion and contraction, revealing and concealing, inside and outside, movement and stillness. Like dancing, Hiroko invites the audience to discover this “in-between” state and enjoy every moment of life.
About the Artist
Hiroko’s curiosity for transitional spaces is manifested in her the tension between revealing and concealing, expansion and contraction. Through the language of familiar, yet unrecognizable forms, she attempts to create an abstract space that recognizes the interdependence of all things -celebrating movement in stillness, and stillness in movement.
Often borrowing from the philosophy of Japanese aesthetics where art is seen as a vehicle to experience the metaphysical, Hiroko seeks to cultivate a practice that serves an expanding space for contemplation.
Soon after graduating from the Victorian College of the Fine Arts in Melbourne, Hiroko was chosen among all the graduates from the top institutions across Victoria, for a group exhibition showcasing the emerging talents of that year. Captivated by the unique forms in her paintings, a local gallery offered her a solo exhibition which was meant to be held last year. Due to the unforeseen circumstances brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still uncertain when she would be allowed to travel back to Australia again. In the meantime, she has set up a little studio in Bangkok, where she continues to make large scale paintings that explore the contemplative potential of abstract forms. It is fitting, that her first solo exhibition with River City Bangkok, “The Dance in Between” is both a consequence and an ode to these uncertain times.
Date: 11 February to 25 April 2021
Venue: Room 248, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok.
Free Admission
*Since your safety is our prior concern, River City Bangkok is open as usual with strict preventive measures against the Covid-19 and limitation of visitors inside all exhibitions.
Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday and public holidays 10a.m. – 8 p.m.
The preventive measure for limits only 10 visitors in The Dance in Between exhibition.
