The tumultuous year of 2022 with a pandemic, lockdowns, inflation, economic downturn, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and more headwinds have left us trapped in a dark and dismal void. We cannot help but wonder how much longer to wait before we catch a ray of hope?
The Rotunda of the Exchange Square in Central will soon be transformed into a time tunnel that resembles a kaleidoscope. Mesmerising passers-by with its reflection and refraction of light and optical illusions, it guides visitors into the inner world of contemporary artist Rona Hu during her creative retreat under the pandemic. The Ray of Light exhibition is an extension of Kaleidoscope, Rona’s solo exhibition held at the Hong Kong Arts Centre in 2017. The Kaleidoscope series opened a new chapter in her artistic creation, reflecting a multitude of perspectives through the kaleidoscope effect, and revealing the diversity and infinite changes of the world. The abundance of beauty in her works has remained a constant, unleashing a trove of emotive possibilities and interpretations.
This solo exhibition will be held in the Rotunda, Exchange Square, Central from 20th December. Featuring 28 prominent works by Rona Hu, including 19 oil paintings and 9 sculptures, showcasing her recent artistic journey. Titled Ray of Light, Rona aspires to bring a long-lost positive energy to the audience. From the chapters named ‘The World’, ‘The Plight’, ‘Love’, and ‘Light’, she shares how she views challenges throughout life as opportunities for self-growth and draws strength from love to overcome all adversities. Using an apple as a motif throughout the series, she inspires us to find delight in simple things, wherein compared to René Magritte’s mysterious green apple, Rona’s is more relevant to the current social climate.
Rona Hu is a contemporary artist with a distinctive character. Having worked, studied, and lived in multiple countries, her unique East-meets-West vision is ingrained deeply in her series of works. With delicate observations of the pulse of the times, she expresses the simple beauty of life. Through the flamboyant colours, smooth contour, and wholehearted emotions in Rona’s diaristic art – we are reminded to appreciate the loveliness in life. When appreciating the ordinary moments in daily life portrayed by Rona’s paintings and sculptures, one can feel her sincere enthusiasm for life itself cast off the canvases in warm rays of sunlight.