Sour Punch: Magdalen Wong Solo Show
Curated by Eunice Tsang
23/3/24
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27/4/24
'Sour Punch' is a solo exhibition by Magdalen Wong curated by Eunice Tsang, that delves into the enigmatic duality of clowns through dark humor and critical exploration. Through the lens of a clown, Wong examines the suppressed inner desires shaped by social constructs and commercial influences. In a site-specific installation that drastically changes the space, a silent video “Spa,” shows a clown's nose being gently cleansed and massaged. The tranquil, almost death-like, stillness ends suddenly with a sneeze. The theatrical staging involving videos and kinetic installations looks at how clowns were recognized under numerous disguises and masks, from a witch doctor to an equestrian, and from a harlequin to a haunting character, emphasizing the multifaceted roles clowns embody, from healers to rebels, romantic heroes to critics, showcasing their ability to convey complex emotions and narratives.
A clown’s portrayal of a mundane routine or a daily habit is often exaggerated into a dramatic inconvenience that often reveals and reassesses a collective dilemma or a personal conflict. The uncertainties in our daily decision making, and their unexpected results are part of a natural attempt to develop a deeper understanding of our own desires and needs. Whether being in an alien discord or a domestic affair, the clown seems to have the ability to maneuver through the in-between spaces, adapting to the various situations, and maintaining attention to the distinct circumstances with a sense of humor and irony. Whether the attempt is a success or a failure, the outcome seems to be secondary to the tenacious endeavor to keep going. The clown is a storyteller who can be seen as a romantic hero for the sick, the disparaged, and the marginalized; or when under a different painted face, a clown can also be illustrated as a stubborn critic of social delusions and illusions, and at times poses as an unwieldy refugee left behind by change and progress.
23/3/24
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27/4/24