Art Projects Gallery is proud to present “INTERTWINE”, award winning Malaysian artist, Chong Ai Lei’s first Hong Kong solo exhibition. Chong has been fascinated by the human figure ever since the beginning of her artistic career more than a decade ago. Her exploration of the genre goes beyond the physical compositions, expressing the underlying human psyche and emotions. For “INTERTWINE”, Ai Lei has created two series of works exploring a common thread of the human subconscious and introspection. In one of the series, Chong visualizes a person’s struggles with her inner thoughts and feelings; sometimes self-reassuring, while at times conflicting; depicted through two female figures intertwined with each other in a variety of poses and juxtapositions, with hints of the state of their relationship within the painting subtly articulated through details such as facial expressions, hand gestures and postures. This series of works are like a reflection of life, with the various compositions expressing the constant search for a state of balance, when one is faced with dilemmas and challenges, whether it is fear, loss or desire. The second collection of works in the exhibition portrays a single female subject. The energetic movements and the flowy hair exude a sense of dynamism and freedom, giving each of the portraits a sense of confidence and self-indulgence. Again the boundary between feelings and the sub-conscious is fuzzy, as one immerses in her own thoughts and fantasy world, oblivious to the world around her; she is frozen in the “moment” and skillfully captured by the artist. Chong Ai Lei (b. 1985, Johor, Malaysia) gained her Diploma in Fine Art at Dasein Academy of Art, Kuala Lumpur in 2005. She has focused on the figure since the beginning of her career. In 2010 and 2011, she received Honourable Mentions Award from the Freeman Foundation Asian Artist Program, Vermont Studio Centre, USA. In 2012, Ai Lei emerged as one of the main winners in the Malaysian Emerging Artist Award. She caught the attention of serious art collectors regionally and generated a group of followers. Her first solo exhibition, ‘P!NK’ was held at Sangkring Art Space, Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 2013. And second solo exhibition ‘In The Room’ was held at Galeri Canna, Jakarta, Indonesia in 2016. With consistent participations at group exhibitions throughout the region, she is represented by art galleries in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong. The artist lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Artist Statement Self-control is often a struggle in the face of insatiable desire, fear, entrapment, dilemma and so on. However, through the subconscious and self-reflection, we can find a balance. We pursue the excitement of a life full of motion and fresh changes, unconsciously exposing our own greed, while satisfying our desires and psychological satisfaction. With regard to this complexity of human emotions, we look for the blurred boundary between feelings and the sub-conscious, to revel in our inner intangible desire and fantasy. Despite the contradictions in the external environment, the realm of the sub-conscious becomes a bridge between the fragile mood and the mind. ~ Chong Ai Lei About Art Projects Gallery Art Projects Gallery is a Hong Kong-based art gallery established in March 2010 that specializes in contemporary fine arts. Founded by two architects, Anng Tan and Rayvees Goh, Art Projects Gallery represents established artists as well as emerging artists, with the aim to promote and encourage artistic innovation in content, technique and medium. Contact person: Anng Tan (+852 6505 3036) email: [email protected] Opening Reception with artist Chong Ai Lei 26 Aug 2017, Saturday, 4pm – 6pm