As with most Macanese, João Ó speaks Portuguese and Cantonese fluently. However, due to his mixed appearance a paradox happens: he is considered as a Chinese when living in Lisbon whereas in China he is viewed as a foreigner. This conflict over the years has made the artist particularly concerned with his own identity, which prompted an inquiry about his origins. In a photographic series he depicted himself as a Portuguese from the fifteenth century in order to trace back the age of intermarriage between China and Portugal. According to the artist, this work is a tribute to his ancestors.
At the same time, an installation titled "Rainbow Bridge" is also showcased in this exhibition. A lightweight suspended structure made of climbing rope and colored fluorescent lamps spans the whole exhibition hall. This metaphorical bridge is an invitation to reflect upon the nature of transience through the poetic thought. Here, the meteorological phenomenon (rainbow) is captured in the form of a vertiginous passage that has its origins in the artist’s own beliefs, i.e. within the intimacy of the self the sublime acquires a dimension of lost identity, being its recognition a profound poetic act.
AFA is located on 1 ArtBase, “Beijing 318 Art Garden” East 6-3, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing(100103), China. Tel: (86) 010-6432-1562, E-mail to: beijingafa@gmail.com or visit the website:
Mythologist – Installation and Photography by João Ó
Artist: João Ó
Curator: James Chu Cheok Son
Opening: 20th Nov, 2010, (Saturday) 4p.m.
Exhibition period: 20th Nov -19th Dec, 2010.
Location: 1 ArtBase, “Beijing 318 Art Garden” East 6-3, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing(100103)
E-mail: beijingafa@gmail.com
Tel: (86) 010-6432-1562
Website:
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