PQECRArtworks

布拉格劇場設計四年展2023

國家及地區展館香港館

Prague Quadrennial 2023

Exhibition for Countries and Regions Hong Kong Pavilion

世界、社會、甚至是我們自身，在這幾年面對翻天覆地的轉變、光怪陸離的各種事物，香港館策展團隊與11組專業劇場設計藝術家「重新審視」曾經完成的作品，「再一次」深化演繹，賦予作品新的觀點、新的看法、新的生命。

香港館策展團隊重新思考本地劇場於過去數年的演出模式、面對突變時的應對，設計出一個多變的結構：可移動的牆壁、16格的可旋轉方格、留白的空間，盛載劇場設計藝術家「重新審視」過往的作品。以時延展覽（Durational Exhibition）為概念，香港館將在長達11天的展期內，每日固定於布拉格時間中午12時35分進行「I / O大轉景」，「換景」到下一組作品，「上演」新的作品。

Witnessing the tremendous changes and rare phenomena in the city and also the world in the past few years, the curatorial team of Hong Kong Pavilion has teamed up with 11 groups of professional theatre artists to “re-hear” and revitalize their previous works with an alternative perspective and approach.

In tribute to the unprecedented change in performance mode due to the pandemic, versatility and flexibility are the keywords in the overall concept of the Pavilion. A moving wall with 16 spinning blocks creates multi-functional space for the works to be re-heard. This durational exhibition will feature each group of artists with a performative “I/O Scene Change'' at Prague’s time 12:35pm everyday, swapping the artworks on a daily basis, during the 11-day period.

作品 Artworks

The theatre serves as a medium for transmitting culture and ideas.

Since the outbreak of the 2019 ”Pandemic," theatres have been periodically shut down, leaving the stage dark and the auditorium silent. The fire curtain has dropped, and all that remains is a flickering ghost light, a haunting reminder of the past. The closure of the theatres has prevented the dissemination of culture and ideas, as they are blocked and distorted by an “Iron”, inaccessible to the audience. To cope with the potential recurrence of such a new "normal," it is imperative to reconsider the methods of communication.

Going back to the basics, in the past, poets and storytellers roamed the land, passing on knowledge through oral tradition. We believe that communication is a two-way process that is vital to human interaction. An open space is less susceptible to viruses, but ideas can travel like seeds carried by the wind, taking root and flourishing within the community. With the rise of the curtain and the illumination of the stage lights, we hope that these ideas can be brought to life once again, radiating like a dazzling light. Ultimately, it is people who serve as the carriers of cultural heritage and the transmission of ideas.

Five music stands bear not only musical notes and scores but also culture and memory.
Three light beams are dedicated to fathers who lost their children, mothers who lost their children, and children who lost their parents in disasters.

Five bookshelf installations bear witness to the convergence of culture.

Inside Out

12 June (Mon)

Sacred Realm

11 June (Sun)

The state of being and action is a landscape. How can one observe, in the hazy crevice, the buried dust of this time of darkness?

  Our cycle of life through reflection ...
Who are the passer-by?

 Capturing a moment
Feeling the temperature
Reminiscing an era

  In the midst of joy and sorrow, we glow
Together we create, our atlas  

Life as a massive ball keeps rolling endlessly in the ever-changing cycles of generations. Only through introspection of our inner voice, and preserving the warmth of our humanity, to find the path that belongs to us.  

“Our Atlas (PQ2023)” is a reimagined installation art that expands upon the original work by merging the conceptual imagery of “Our Atlas” and “Maybe Tomorrow” with contemporary artistic expression and documentation as its creative core. It seeks to communicate the essence of Hong Kong's recent experiences to a global audience while forging a unique and transformative connection with the visitors, encouraging introspection and the revelation of new insights.

《人圖》

Our Atlas (PQ2023)

08 June (Thu)

《古靈精怪事務所》

The Mysterious Laboratory

14 June (Wed)

“Feng Shui”, also known as Chinese Geomancy, is an ancient Chinese art and methodology. The five elements “Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth” and four directions “East, South, West, North” are the essential keys in the relationship of humans and his surroundings. Through the analysis of “Feng Shui” with the positioning of the metaphysics of the Nine Palaces of Flying Stars “Flying Stars Compass” on the printed ground map, five fading craftsmanship objects “Compass(Hand Drafting) as Metal, Hammer (Manual hand tools) as Wood, Paintbrush (Scenic Painting) as Water, Light Bulb (Tungsten Lamp Source) as Fire & Film (Traditional Photography) as Earth” define this special shrine setting. Viewers are invited to wander among this Feng Shui setup to find the map of True life by Re-hear and treasure the meaning of Scenography.

《命圖》

The Fadings - Theatre Designers Quest for Life

10 June (Sat)

Gazing into the minuscule, we delve into the world of atoms, molecules, cells, and microorganisms. The study of the infinitesimal holds great significance for understanding nature and the intricate realms of science and technology. In the artistic sphere, the microscopic embodies a serene, introspective quality, revealing the delicate interplay between the self and the subtle intricacies of the universe. Through the artist's creations, the most delicate details of the world around us are meticulously captured.

In the pursuit of life's finer connections, we turn to the natural objects that surround us. By observing them, we allow them to take center stage, transforming into a performance of their own. This spectacle is ever-present in our daily lives, yet we often overlook it, failing to recognize its connection to us, let alone to discover and seek its performative essence. We seize this opportunity to reflect on the relationship between performance, rhythm, and space.

The original concept of puppetry, with strings guiding their movements, shares a connection with Random kinetic art. Through this art form, we observe the wind, light, and shadows, and even catch glimpses of our own memories and associations. Should the audience discover this link, they may choose to lightly touch the stringed apparatus, forging a connection with the delicate world of the microscopic.

《微微之歌》

Wei Wei The Tiny Mini Song

18 June (Sun)

If you had the ability to erase other people's thoughts, ideas, values, and their past, would you do it?

Human is a special creature with the ability to think, imagine, and create.
One's thoughts, experiences, preferences, and values, belong solely to their personal freedom and choice, and should not be interfered with by anyone else.

The world is constantly changing, and many systems have been established for different reasons. I do not agree with every single system.
Hong Kong is no exception. The decisions of those in power affect everyone's views and actions.
Those in power today can prevent people from acting and expressing, but they cannot stop people from thinking.

But imagine, if there were a next step, what would it be?
If you are not even allowed to think about it, and all the pictures in your heart shall be wiped clean?

This work is centred on an embroidered heart with projections on both sides.
Viewers can choose to block the light so that the projections disappear, or to further dismantle the embroidery threads, so that the fabric, sequins, beads, and flowers on the embroidery will keep falling down.

When one removes the embroidery by hand, it is equivalent to removing the traces of one’s hard work, removing one’s time, memories, ideas, skills, knowledge, interests, hobbies, and voice...

How do you feel? Why did you choose to do this?

《心靈謀殺》

The Mind Murder

16 June (Fri)

"There is no fixed form, I will keep changing, like wind, like clouds, like sea, like water. I am invisible, shadowless, and even colourless, I do not limit myself to the same stage, position, or activity all the time. I am constantly changing. You can't capture me; I continue to evolve, you can't imprison me. I keep creating, I, persist, I, liberate, I, unknown...I am a subversion, I am a revolution, I am a questioner, I am a builder, I will not have an eternal model, I will continue to evolve, I will not stick to the same field, but I will never forget, I am creating history, I belong to the future." - Excerpt from The White Shadow.

In recent years, the changes in Hong Kong have been very rapid, and various things have happened, big and small. Some people believe it has changed for the better, while others say it has changed for the worse; many people seem to lose their sense of direction about life, identity, the future, and the restrictions inherent in it. In this impermanent world, no one knows whether they missed anything or left any regrets. Life and history always seem to be made up of fragmentation and failure. Like the reincarnation mentioned by Buddhism, there may be no exit for some people, but one day there will be hope.

《白色的影子》

The White Shadow

13 June (Tue)

"We are Lightworkers, light is our mission and strength."
In recent years, the world has been in turmoil and unrest, I would not want to dwell in darkness.
“Where there is light, there will always be shadow present",
This is the law of nature.
What do I do with shadows?
Should I eliminate them or use them?
I believe that many lighting designers face the same dilemma,
"Either get rid of it completely, or let them be there for a reason.”
But we often forget that it could be a "luminous body".

In this work, I have revised my original design.
I chose a glowing bread as props; gave it a script, designed a ritual; and returned to
the most primitive form of theatre. I wished I could shine a little light into the hearts of
my companions. Reminding ourselves of our ability and strength as Lightworkers,
lighting up the darkness in allowing people to find light and hope.

《祭祀一片方包》

Ritual of Bread

17 June (Sat)

Two characters, Elizabeth I and Cleopatra, came from two opera productions, Maria Sturada and Julius Caesar. Elizabeth I was called the Virgin Queen and was married to her country and made it the strongest kingdom in Europe. On the contrary, Cleopatra was married to Julius Caesar and Egypt as a dowry to Rome, which turned out a famous quote of Mr. Patten: the new regime will receive the “biggest dowry since Cleopatra”. It became my idea for the “Re-hear”project.

《紅：貞血紅—埃及妖后的嫁妝》

Red: Virgin Red & Cleopatra - The Dowry of The Egyptian Demon Queen

15 June (Thu)

《鼠疫》

The Plague

09 June (Fri)

關於布拉格劇場設計四年展
About PQ

策展人 Curators

李浩賢 Lee Ho Yin, Lawrence

劉銘鏗 Lau Ming Hang, Sunfool

徐碩朋 Tsui Shek Pang, Allan

陳國慧 Chan Kwok Wai, Bernice

策展人/監製 Curator/Producer

羅妙妍 Miu Law

監製 Producer

謝沅珩 Tse Yuen Hang, Denise

宣傳及行政統籌 Marketing and Administrative Coordinator

余穎彤 Yu Wing Tung, Enid

製作經理 Production Manager

曾以德 Tsang Yee Tak, Joey

展覧經理 Exhibition Manager

李綻容 Lee Tsan Yung, Agnes

展覧統籌 Exhibition Coordinators

朱嘉明 Chu Ka Ming, Sunny

林朗峰 Lam Long Fung, Ronly

羅穎禧 Law Wing Hei, Heibe

李佩恩 Lee Pui Yan, Joanna

陳偉德 Chan Wai Tak, Eric

徐健雄 Chui Kin Hung, Ban

攝影及錄影 Photographer / Video Archive

李健偉 Lee Kin Wai, Max

首屆布拉格劇場設計四年展 (PQ) 於 1967 年舉行，當時展覽名為 Prague Quadrennial Exhibition of Scenography and Theatre Architecture「劇場美學設計和劇場建築展」。隨著世界上對「劇場」定義的演變，自 2011 年始，展覽已改名為 Prague Quadrennial Performance Design and Space「演出設計與空間」。每個國家地區均會精心設計其展館，聚首一堂在布拉格一起展示各個地域的演出設計，涉獵範疇包括劇場空間、佈景設計，服裝設計、燈光設計、音響設計、多媒體設計等。此外，PQ 也是一個非常多元化的藝術節。自 1967 年開辦以來，透過展覽、藝術節、工作坊、演出、論壇、教育活動以及駐村等計畫，成為劇場設計頂尖作品的交流與教育平台。

更多詳情，請瀏覽：https://pq.cz

The Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space was established in 1967 to bring the best of design for performance, scenography, and theatre architecture to the front line of cultural activities to be experienced by professional and emerging artists as well as the general public.

The Prague Quadrennial is globally known as a two-week event taking place every four years since 1967 in Prague, Czech Republic. This model has been evolving. More and more designers now understand PQ as a platform: a continual stream of activities and collaborations happening across the globe with many different partners, creative professionals, artists, researchers, and theorists. Each on-site festival of PQ is now a culmination of the efforts of the preceding 4 years: a celebration and an opportunity for performing arts professionals from around the world to come to one place and share their work, ideas, and thoughts during the quadrennial festival. We work towards making the 2023 edition once again an opportunity for many new and unique shared experiences.

While celebrating the diverse forms of performance design/scenography around the globe, the Prague Quadrennial strives to present it as an art form concerned with the creation of holistic performance environments, not just decorative backgrounds; these performative spaces creatively respond to current issues of our world, ask important questions, and invite us to participate in unique moments. Every four years, PQ’s central curatorial concept shapes the festival and offers its participants a fresh look at the artistic reflection of our times in performance designs and scenographies.

For more info, please visit https://pq.cz

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