Artify Gallery presents a solo exhibition of Hong Kong based emerging artist Laura Li Nogueira. Paper Affairs showcases artworks in the medium of traditional Chinese paper-cutting. Li’s artworks playfully satirise the characters, events as well as current and political affairs that dominate the headlines in her hometown Hong Kong, whilst also criticizing the current systems of order conveying the artist’s deep affinity to her local roots.
The Chief Executive scandals, conflict of interest from a bureau chief’s land ownership, ministers taking advantage of loop holes within the housing scheme for officials, real estate monopoly, national education, filibustering…all topical affairs surrounding Hong Kong politics of late. Li interprets these events on paper, along with her response to consumerism and trite celebrity culture, both of which are known to dominate popular interest locally. The works are delicate, hugely reflective and carefully thought-through cut-outs. One highlight piece, of which is 2m wide, depicts the city’s most notable public figures caricaturised and bounded by the artist’s provocative anecdotes. The shown personalities are animated and enticing, with a light-hearted humour that captures the usually solemn “year in review” in an accessible manner.
In Chinese heritage, paper-cuts are synonymous with New Year celebrations and marriage festivities, often used to signify blessing and auspiciousness. Li’s practice extends and expands on this custom, with motifs including traditional patterns of the zodiac, copper coins, ingot, nature’s sea and clouds, whilst infusing contemporary subjects and localised elements such as Angry Birds, Hello Kitty, MTR, and the bauhinia flag to represent Hong Kong’s unique culture.
Li, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, social issues and current affairs have formed an integral part of her life from the outset. With news reviews forming constant white noise in the domestic setting, she has grown accustomed to the debates between her parents and elders, all informing the groundwork for her creativity. In 2009, with the outbreak of the H1N1 SARS virus, Hong Kong fell into a critical condition, deeply affecting the artist emotionally. With that, she began her process of scalpel cutting, depicting the phenomenon of phobia towards poultry and swine, thereby creating her first signature piece. Henceforth, Li has based her inspiration on timely and topical social motions, every year literally cutting out the politics in her witty “society almanac” artworks.
Image: © Laura Li Nogueira, Artify Gallery
