The upcoming edition of Tai Kwun Conversations: Exhibition(ism) and Social Change explores the role of art in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, in particular centering on the power of visibility in spurring social change.

LGBTQ+ activists have long wielded the power of being visible and of being “queer and here” as a means to advocate for equal rights; indeed, the whole process of “coming out” arguably operates on this paradigm. Consequently, art exhibitions can be seen to offer a particular form of visibility, and in some cases become generative sites of societal challenge and change. Conversely, LGBTQ+ art can frequently be seen as too risqué and “exhibitionist”—for example, in being cited for portraying too much flesh.

Drawing on the experiences and insights of the speakers, Tai Kwun Conversations: Exhibition(ism) and Social Change will range from personal recollections to collective memories, taking in exhibition practices, writerly interventions, and the quirks and foibles of collecting art. Along the way, the conversation will delve into the role of art in exhibiting sexualities and subjectivities, and how such acts also constitute public sharing and communal exchange—while generating ripple effects in and out of society at large, internationally but also in Hong Kong in particular.

Taking part in this conversation are the following speakers: Patrick Sun, collector and founder of Sunpride Foundation (co-presenter of the current exhibition Myth Makers—Spectrosynthesis III, the first major survey exhibition of LGBTQ+ perspectives in Hong Kong), together with curator Nick Yu, and writer Samwai Lam; moderated by Daniel Szehin Ho.

Myth Makers—Spectrosynthesis III is one of the first major survey exhibitions on LGBTQ+ perspectives in Hong Kong, and draws inspiration from artists addressing “queer mythologies”—who highlight either same-sex love and desire or gender fluidity as found in ancient belief systems and traditions in Asia.

Tai Kwun Conversations is a monthly event that brings together brilliant minds from the fields of contemporary art, architecture, heritage, among many others. Join us to discover new artistic exchanges and outstanding practices in heritage conservation.

This event will be conducted in Cantonese, with Cantonese to English simultaneous interpretation.

Speakers:

Samwai Lam

Patrick Sun

Nick Yu

Moderator:

Daniel Szehin Ho | Editor and Project Manager, Tai Kwun Contemporary