tsang kin-wah: the infinite nothing for hong kong at venice biennale 2015

tsang kin-wah: the infinite nothing for hong kong at the venice art biennale 2015
(above) ‘the infinite nothing’, 2015
multi-channel video and sound installation 6 min. 19 sec. / dimensions variable
image courtesy of the artist

for the venice art biennale 2015, hong kong artist tsang kin-wah presents a solo exhibition entitled ‘the infinite nothing‘, comprising four separate video installations that reflect a never-ending cycle of self-inquiry and discovery. curated by the M+ curatorial team, tsang kin-wah’s work takes the viewer through a narrative of transformative journeys, bridging together philosophical ideas expressed through metaphors, allegories, religious symbolism and cultural references.

the work projects philosophical ideas through metaphors, allegories, religious symbolism and cultural references
image © designboom

when he first discovered friedrich nietzsche’s existentialist philosophy, tsang kin-wah began to question religious values, especially as a devout christian in his teenage years. as an extension of this perspective, tsang’s work can be seen as a never-ending search for meaning and purpose in life. the conceptual foundation of ‘the infinite nothing’ is suggested by the title’s reference to nietzsche’s notorious pronouncement of the death of god: are we not straying as through an infinite nothing? do we not feel the breath of empty space?

‘the infinite nothing’ is a never-ending cycle of self-inquiry and discovery
image © designboom

the video installation takes the viewer on a sojourn, starting in the middle of a churning river and progressing across the different stages of the exhibition. in the final section, the visitor is led to a door which returns back to the beginning of the journey. the concept of a cycle of self-exploration — one in which older value systems are reinstated by new ones —  is initiated, questioning the actual possibility of an eternal recurrence.

‘this new series of work echoes nietzsche’s views on truth and interpretation and also alludes to the fragility of the absolute, the instability of things, and the uncertainty of life,’ tsang kin-wah explains. ‘I am also interested in how these ideas connect with the hindu/buddhist notions of karma and reincarnation.’

the four-part installation is constantly transforming
image © designboom

curator doryun chong says, ‘tsang is exceptional at illustrating the ever-shifting nature of life. featuring his signature text projections as well as use of found moving images this video installation seeks to question the imposed archaic values and the moral force of religion, while affirming the human quest for self-betterment via a lifetime’s search for truth and reality. echoing views on truth and interpretation, while combing the idea of the illusionary ideal world, this work is a powerful and engrossing addition to the biennale both perceptually and conceptually.’ 

tsang kin-wah, ‘the infinite nothing’, 2015
multi-channel video and sound installation 4 min. 32 sec. / dimensions variable
image courtesy of the artist

general view of ‘the infinite nothing’
image © designboom

installation view of ‘the infinite nothing’ 2015
image courtesy of the artist

‘the infinite nothing’, 2015
multi-channel video and sound installation 8 min. 12 sec / dimensions variable
image courtesy of the artist

‘the infinite nothing’, 2015
single-channel video and sound installation 6 min. 20 sec / dimensions variable
image © designboom

tsang kin-wah
portrait © designboom

tsang kin-wah

born in 1976, shantou, china, tsang kin-wah lives and works in hong kong. his work is critically acclaimed for its innovative use of text and language, which are manipulated using computer technology to create immersive installations. the artist has exhibited globally with solo shows at leading international galleries and museums.