Solo Exhibition: "When These Roots Encounter Rocks"

Opening remarks by Milenko Prvački (Senior Fellow, LASALLE College)
 
Venue: Art Seasons, Singapore

Dates: 30 Nov 2023 – 6 Jan 2024

Statement:
 
This solo exhibition embarks on a journey into the world of Desmond Mah, a Singapore-born Chinese-Australian artist. Mah delves deep into the interplay between cultural hybridity and fluid identity, navigating the complexities of his marginalised immigrant background.

These paintings—often expressive self-portraits—portray the artist in various juxtapositions and fragmentations. Through a unique painting style, visual reminiscent of roots, Mah draws parallels between his own tenacious roots and the resilient roots of a tree. These roots adjust to their circumstances in Australia, his now-called home, mirroring the resilience and adaptability observed in the natural world.

Mah's exploration goes beyond the surface, examining the texture, physicality, and inherent aspects of paint itself. His 'self-portraits' dispense with superfluous backgrounds and traditional canvases, allowing the paint marks to exist independently, articulating their own narratives. This hybrid technique mirrors his depictions of cultural hybridity and fluid identity, all while challenging conventional notions of racial structuring.


Exhibition Catalogue here.
 
Exhibition Review here.