signals…here and there

Para Site presents signals…here and there, the final chapter of the exhibition series curated by Billy Tang and Celia Ho.

signals…here and there marks the culmination of a journey that has unfolded throughout a six-month period and which features 25 artists and collectives in dialogue with an experimental display structure. In the context of this final exhibition chapter, here and there evokes migratory movements, both historical and contemporary, within the context of Hong Kong’s transformation as a city. Such movements not only refer to the migrations of individuals, but also encompass the continuous changes that evolve with the concept of “home.” As such, the exhibition frames a fluid conception of “here” from “there” to negotiate the divide separating various histories as well as geographical distances.

Continuing to pay homage to the expanded concept of kinetic art that emerged from Signals Gallery (1964–1966, London), signals…here and there will feature the work of Greek artist Panayiotis Vassilak (1925–2019) known as Takis, a pioneer of kinetic art who participated in the original Signals Gallery exhibitions. Connecting the historical origins of kinetic art to our time, this chapter of the exhibition looks to build momentum and generate a collective discussion around today’s most challenging questions. Throughout its run, the exhibition series has gathered an ensemble of artists, collectives, and designers to imagine how movements (both physical and social) can be sustained, expressed, and activated using multiple sensorial registers. 

Previously, the first chapter signals…storms and patterns (March 18–May 28, 2023) focused on self-organisation and the politics of space in contemporary artmaking, while the second chapter signals…folds and splits (June 10–July 30, 2023) reflected on the temporality of artworks and alternative economies of time. Finally, signals…here and there (opening on 11 August) will explore diasporic flows and migratory strategies to think about contemporary global issues through the lens of Hong Kong.

The participating artists of signals…here and there are Doreen Chan, Merv Espina, HASS Lab, Kulagu Tu Buvongan, Billy HC Kwok, Linda Chiu-han Lai, Jaffa Lam, Leung Chi Wo, Ghislaine Leung, Berenice Olmedo, Nibha Sikander, Wing Po So, Takis, Tang Kwok Hin, with atmospheric interventions including a publishing project by Wing Chan featuring photography by South Ho.

Exhibition spatial design by Joel Austin.