This is the first solo exhibition of the artist in Beijing, which will exhibit 22 installations and videos which were created in 2012. Lei Sio Chong is one of the most influential multi-media artists in Macao. In the early 1990s, she learned easel painting under two artists Mio Pang Fei and Un Chi Iam and gave her a profound and lasting impact since then. Because of her determination and enduring passion toward art, Bianca gave up her job in the government and went to Britain for further studies. She obtained a bachelor degree from the School of Art & Design of Nottingham Trent University firstly and a master degree from the Middlesex University. Now she is a full-time lecturer of Macao Polytechnic Institute.
In the days of learning and practicing in Europe, Western modern art influenced her to a great extent, and this fostered liberation from the traditional principle of concentrating on technique rather than ideas, which is a critical rule of easel painting. This transformation marks the new chapter of her pursuit in art. Returning from Britain, Lei Sio Chong became one of practitioners of experimental art in Macao. By Involving in researches and studies of art related concepts, the artist excludes herself from commercial influence. All through the years, Lei Sio Chong dedicates to teaching, art research and exploration of multi-media and experimental art. So far her works are exhibited in the USA, the UK, Germany, Portugal, Hong Kong and Macao etc. Moreover, she has also curated a number of video and installation exhibitions and provides guidance to a group of young experimental art artists.
The artworks displayed in this exhibition reflects a consistent "experimental style" of the artist, both installation and video art are her research subjects throughout the years. These 22 installations overturn the public impression of painting. Painting is no longer a mode which artists draw on canvas, paper, wall, cloth with brush and knife, or imitation to objects and scenes. In the post-modern language, painting is rather a form of expression, embracing a profound diversity.In this exhibition, the concept of "Haute couture" is introduced, the artist tailor-made her creation according to the space of AFA.
Rather than saying that she is exploring the relationship between art and space with an experimental method, it is more accurate to say that she is trying to provoke public thinking toward the philosophic issue, "what is painting?", and "what is beauty?". The title of this series is named "Painting is painting is painting is painting is……", with usual material, Lei Sio Chong creates an "unacquainted" object. If painting is an unlimited space, two dimensions is no longer a limit. If painting is a relationship, then painting is no longer imitation. If painting is dilapidation, painting no longer signifies perfection. Painting is everything one can imagine.
This exhibition is partly sponsored by Secretariat of Social Affairs and Culture, the Cultural Affairs Bureau Macao SAR Government and Macao Foundation.
