Tai Kwun | Midsummer Exhibition 'States of Mind': A Solo Exhibition by Ho Chiu-Yi

Description

In the sweltering and lush midsummer, photographer Ho Chiu-Yi presents her new series 'States of Mind', a journey of light and shadow, reflections on water, and spiritual perception through the lens. The exhibition will be held at The Gallery by SOIL in Tai Kwun, Central, from July 5 to 20, 2025, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the interplay between nature and the transience of life, and to rethink the essence of 'scenery' and 'state of mind'.

 'States of Mind' is a reflection of the artist's inner world. Over the years, Ho Chiu-Yi has shifted from observing the world and recording landscapes to exploring the depths of her inner self. This transformation became more apparent during the pandemic, as she moved from creating from an outsider's perspective to actively embracing her inner emotions and beliefs. Most of the works in this exhibition revolve around the states and transformations of water—from serene lake surfaces to broken reflections and misty vapors, all presenting the passage of time, fluctuating emotions, and the fluidity of existence.

“Living in this world, with its myriad of affairs, the heart has its thoughts, the eyes their sights, and the ears their sounds, and so there are words to be spoken.” This quote from the preface of the Kokin Wakashū reflects the exhibition's contemplation on how individuals connect with nature through their senses, evoking a resonance within the soul. 'States of Mind' delves into concepts such as 'mono no aware' and 'ichigo ichie' in Japanese aesthetics, guiding viewers into a state of detachment from worldly concerns and a return to the essence through concise yet emotionally charged visuals. Each image is a gateway to the impermanence of nature and the contemplation of life.

Ho Chiu-Yi hopes that viewers will sense a 'sympathy between heart and matter'—a resonance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms—in her works. Breaking free from the confines of traditional Western landscape photography, 'States of Mind' attempts to shatter the logic of image representation, broadening the imagination and definition of 'landscape', with the current state of mind as the starting point of creation.