Reflecting on the hardships of the pandemic and the rise of virtual communication, artist Benedict Yu presents “生 Rebirth”– an exhibition that revisits the collaborative strength of people and communities.
From 13 to 14 August, visitors were invited to attend workshops and co-create an installation from A4 paper that resembles a pond of White Spider Lilies (彼岸花 “Bi An Hua” in Mandarin), a flower which symbolizes resilience and purity.
Desiring to create an inclusive space that brings people from different walks of life together, Benedict strives to foster meaningful conversations through art. Accompanying his community installation, “生 Rebirth” also consisted of studio visits and studio tours.
White Spider Lilies (彼岸花 “Bi An Hua” in Mandarin) are often mentioned in East Asia's floral languages which describe the conceptual idea of "crossing from the physical world to the spiritual world." By folding these paper flowers, the participants along with the artist commemorate the victims of the pandemic. Some of the participants who have lost their family members, friends, or colleagues, translate their complex emotions and sorrow into the process of paper folding. Through virtual gatherings, people across the globe were also able to share with each other their previously unspoken words.
