Simon L Wong and Chyna Lily
20 May - 16 June
Following their recently released photobook ‘Territory Unknown,’ creatives Chyna Lily and Simon L Wong are displaying their work in a group show ‘Sailing Lanterns’ at Toi Poneke, opening on the 19th of May from 5:30 pm. Chyna and Simon Invite Grace Ko, Allister Tran, Matthew Yee and Jacqueline Trinh to expand on being Asian creatives in Aotearoa.
Chyna Lily and Simon L Wong are emerging artists based in Tāmaki Makaurau and Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. Their work includes an eclectic mix of photography, sculpture and various other mixed mediums.
Territory Unknown is a narrative about their Chinese/New Zealand ethnicity emerges from the concept of belonging. Sailing Lanterns invites similar concepts through a new lens, bringing a mix of Asian creatives in Aotearoa to present unseen work. Though the focus of this work aims to confront identity hardships, the work does not limit itself in regard to interpretation.
Simon L Wong: “Growing up, I have always faced the internal conflict of my physical presence, from the shape of my eyes, to my nose and lips. At a young age I was dissed and humiliated for what people called a “flat face”. It’s not until recently I pondered on how I am a reflection of the people before me, and the people who raised me. I hope this exhibition brings light to this issue, and allows viewers to accept who they are. Conventional beauty is tiring, be confident in the differences that make you you.”
Chyna and Simon worked collaboratively on their book displaying a trajectory of grief, longing and acceptance. Similar to their everyday practices, their roots drive them to create work addressing generational trauma. The group alludes to the acceptance and celebration of culture, after a continuous search for belonging.
Chyna Lily: "Fitting into the dusky maiden stereotype, I attracted unwanted attention and was objectified from a young age due to a Westernized view of ethnic women. Young and naive, I grew up expecting to be sexualized and often wish I were born with different features. I am now on a long journey of unpacking trauma and reconnecting with ancestral traditions. I hope our works help others visualize shared experiences and encourage conversations of acceptance."
Emerging from isolated experiences, the artists formed a community in search of understanding. Poneke is home to the majority of the involved artists, where a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for self-expression thrives in the streets of Wellington. Artists who didn't grow up in the area attended local universities and also felt the vibrant city's opportunities for growth. The photo-book featured in the exhibition, Territory Unknown was largely shot and produced in Poneke, with locations ranging from Brooklyn, Mt Cook, and Mana Harbour in Paramata.
We are incredibly grateful to have been supported by Toi Poneke, one of the few artistic centers in Aotearoa's capital that strives to provide a voice for lesser-heard individuals and support local creatives.
Sailing lanterns, like a canoe or kayak, move through a chronological exhibition. The name suggests the public as the sails and the artists as the lanterns lighting up a path of creativity and conversation through lived experiences. The aim is to shed light on taboo conversations about Asian identity and to celebrate and embrace the beauty of our unique features.
Curated to provide more insight into the lives of Asian individuals in Aotearoa, ‘Sailing Lanterns’ guides the viewer with illuminating works throughout a domestic yet fragile scene. Hand-crafted objects including copper sculptures, printed flowing fabric and time-based work all express a desire to reconnect with ancestral traditions. Their motive derives from the common yet isolated experience of navigating cultural identity, by creating this tight-knit expression of self they hope to provide a sense of comradery.
calligratherapy
10 june at Toi Pōneke
Join Xin Alice Huang in this beginner's class in Calligratherapy. Bookings are essential.
