From observation, and perception to contemplation, what the eye sees opens the door to different realms. In our hyper-connected era, our eyes not only perceive the physical world but also guide us into the depths of the virtual realm. They are the windows to our soul, with the power to forge synchronicity between individuals and evoke a myriad of emotions through eye contact. The ebb and flow of our thoughts are driven by the perception of our mind's eye on everything under the sun.

Now, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Au Yeung Ping-chi, a bamboo artist from Hong Kong. With over two decades of expertise in working with bamboo, Au Yeung has garnered acclaim for his creative paper effigies, capturing the attention of both local and international media.

Au Yeung is also known for breaking the conventions of traditional paper effigies craft, and has been invited to create a number of works for exhibitions over the years. His artistic journey took an unexpected turn in 2019. Yearning for breakthroughs, he embarked on an exploration of his personal perspective. Over the next two years, he crafted a series of bamboo artworks centred around the theme of "The Eye". These pieces reflect the thoughts and emotions he developed while observing the vivid tapestry of daily life in Hong Kong.

"Meet the Eye" (2023) is Au Yeung Ping-chi's first solo exhibition. Departing from the traditional Chinese ritual of paper effigy craft, Au Yeung has intentionally removed the element of papier-mâché from his pieces, relying solely on bamboo splints as his medium. It features twelve large-scale bamboo artworks. Each piece is an intricate three-dimensional structure, meticulously crafted with curves and lines, using his unparalleled craftsmanship. These spherical creations symbolising the eye, invite the audience to delve into a realm where Au Yeung's quiet and reticent demeanour gives way to a world of boundless expression.

In this exhibition, the journey begins with "Reminiscence", a heartfelt tribute to Au Yeung's late cat, 大王 [Daai6 Wong4; The King]. Through this abstract work, he recollects the countless moments they looked into each other's eyes during their twelve precious years together, immortalizing the enduring bond with his feline companion.

In the process of creating "Meet the Eye", Au Yeung's artistry unfolds, intertwining memories of his childhood and contemplations on the world at large. From the comforting glow of his childhood bedside lamp in "Brightness" to the vitality and resilience of his mother's potted plants in "Blossoming" each artwork weaves a delicate tale of personal and universal experiences.

Au Yeung's pieces transcend boundaries, inviting you to ponder the myths of our hyperconnected world in "Myth", and confront the pervasive surveillance society in "Turning A Blind Eye", or the spiritual depth of "Nirvana", which represents his interpretation of the mandala as a Buddhist. Each artwork offers a glimpse into the artist's unique perspective, drawing inspiration from his life in Hong Kong and his observations of the world.

Close your eyes, and the world descends into darkness, allowing your mind's eye to awaken. Open your eyes once more, and reality's harsh light surrounds you. This delicate shift between realms is an intrinsic part of every living being's daily existence. Prepare to embark on Au Yeung Ping-chi's artistic journey, "Meet the Eye," where perception and reflection intertwine, inviting you to see the world through a different lens.

Exhibition title and art work by Au Yeung Ping Chi

Spatial design and curation by Parallel Space 

從觀察、感知到思考，「眼」之所見，悄然打開不同空間的大門。身處現實世界，肉眼將視覺信號傳導到腦海空間；在網絡時代，目光引領我們投進虛擬空間；眼睛是靈魂之窗，四目交投亦可醞釀空間，讓我們與他者的靈魂接觸，引發各種感受——因心靈相通而喜悅、因被注視而不安等等⋯⋯ 思潮起伏，心眼在感知萬物。  

歐陽秉志與竹為伴廿多年，是香港少數投入藝術創作的竹藝師，除以自創新潮紮作祭品聞名，屢獲本地及海外傳媒訪問，更擅於跳出傳統紮作框框，曾獲邀創作不少藝術品參展。約於2019年起，歐陽秉志求突破，開始構思由自身出發的藝術創作。及後兩年間，他完成一系列以「眼球」為主題的竹藝品，呈現他在香港日常生活中，與身邊事物相互凝視、長久共處後沉澱的所思所感，2023年舉行首個個展《竹目・觸目》。歐陽秉志從傳統民間紮作技藝中，發展出新的個人藝術風格，刻意除去紮作中黏貼紙張的元素，僅以竹篾為創作物料。《竹目・觸目》共有12件大型竹藝品，由竹篾紮成的立體結構細緻複雜，充滿弧度和曲線，講求手工技巧，而每件作品均含有代表眼球的球體。 

歐陽秉志平常沉靜寡言，投入竹藝創作中，才是他表達心聲的自由世界，構想作品時不用繪畫草圖，直接動手製作。《竹目・觸目》一系列竹藝品的誕生，始於首件作品〈念〉，抒發歐陽秉志對已故愛貓「大王」的思念。 大王是他養貓生涯中，情感關係最獨特的貓，大家曾共處12年之久。他回想與大王無數相視的時刻，創作抽象的圓形貓頭〈念〉，寓意圓滿和諧。

在《竹目・觸目》的創作過程中，歐陽秉志亦回溯兒時雙目所及的事物，包括每晚伴他入睡的床頭燈、母親在家擺放的盆栽等，都化成竹藝品，聯想到植物的生命力與光明的力量。歐陽秉志是次展覽作品的形態，均實中帶虛，創作視點由個人生活延伸到香港城市，以至宏觀天地萬物。例如〈迷思〉反思我們在互聯網所見的孰真孰假？〈視若無睹〉說穿大家活在城市大量閉路電視的目光下、〈早登彼岸〉則呈現歐陽秉志作為佛教徒眼中的曼陀羅。

閉上肉眼漆黑一片，進入心眼所感，張開眼又回到現實光明中，是微妙的空間轉換，也是眾生日常。《竹目・觸目》就是這樣一趟關於歐陽秉志的旅程。

展名及作品 ： 歐陽秉志

策展及空間設計 ： Parallel Space