Spinning East Asia Series I:
A Compass in Hand︎
Identification and
Stress Test of Hanzi in
East Asia
by Wang Zhihong
27 November 2021 –
27 February 2022
Centre for Heritage,
Arts and Textile
A Compass in Hand︎
Identification and
Stress Test of Hanzi in
East Asia
by Wang Zhihong
27 November 2021 –
27 February 2022
Centre for Heritage,
Arts and Textile
Artists: Ahn Sangsoo, Choi Moonkyung, Park Chanshin, BCXSY, Adonian Chan, Julius Hui, Chris Tsui, Hugh Davies, Guo Cheng, Hou I-Ting, Iguchi Kota, Mieno Ryu, Nakata Takuma, Kim Hwang, Lau Chi Chung, Li Zhiqian, Liu Yi, Lu Yang, Takahashi Naotaka, Nagashima Rikako, Spatial Anatomy, Wang Zhihong, Alice Wong
In modern times, East Asia has navigated through waves of geopolitical, economic and cultural crises, both internal and external, with countries and territories in the area simultaneously tested by the challenges of globalisation and multilateral relations. Shared among its people groups are knowledge systems and hard-learned lessons from history. Yet there are also paradoxical perception and deep-rooted antagonism mixed with interdependence and disdain that accompanied the establishment and collapse of cultural identities.
CHAT’s focus on textile and its cultural contexts offered an alternative entry point for our quest into and reimagination of the notion of ‘East Asia’. The materiality of textile, as well as its intricate connections with mankind in political, economic, social and cultural contexts throughout history, have provided leads and inspirations in the process of reconsidering, or spinning, and revisiting East Asia. ─ CHAT/MILL6 Foundation
“Designed for the winter exhibition of CHAT (Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile) in Hong Kong. The exhibition explores the inclusiveness and tension of East Asian Chinese characters in response to different cultures, presenting the understanding, response and expression of characters across regions and local cultures, and linking them to the historical context of the museum: textile craftsmanship.” ─ Wang Zhihong
In modern times, East Asia has navigated through waves of geopolitical, economic and cultural crises, both internal and external, with countries and territories in the area simultaneously tested by the challenges of globalisation and multilateral relations. Shared among its people groups are knowledge systems and hard-learned lessons from history. Yet there are also paradoxical perception and deep-rooted antagonism mixed with interdependence and disdain that accompanied the establishment and collapse of cultural identities.
CHAT’s focus on textile and its cultural contexts offered an alternative entry point for our quest into and reimagination of the notion of ‘East Asia’. The materiality of textile, as well as its intricate connections with mankind in political, economic, social and cultural contexts throughout history, have provided leads and inspirations in the process of reconsidering, or spinning, and revisiting East Asia. ─ CHAT/MILL6 Foundation
“Designed for the winter exhibition of CHAT (Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile) in Hong Kong. The exhibition explores the inclusiveness and tension of East Asian Chinese characters in response to different cultures, presenting the understanding, response and expression of characters across regions and local cultures, and linking them to the historical context of the museum: textile craftsmanship.” ─ Wang Zhihong
