Exhibition
9 May–26 May 2024

Venue
Latitude 22N
16B, Man Foong Industrial Building, 7 Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong

Opening hours
Wednesday to Sunday: 11AM–7PM
Monday and Tuesday: closed

Parenthèses and Latitude 22N are pleased to present Hong Kong: Between Mountains and Sea, a solo exhibition of drawings paired with written works by French artist Gérard Henry. This presentation is timed to coincide with the launch of Henry’s second book Hong Kong : Entre Montagnes et Mer, published by TANDE&M Editions for the account of Continental Books Limited (ISBN : 978-988-70478-0-3)

“I am simultaneously a stroller, walking back alleys and small streets night and day, a writer, and an artist portraying Hong Kong through my words and drawings. To me, Hong Kong transpires its beauty as much from the inside as from the surface. A city does not exist without living things – living things being people, animals, and plants. They shape this city and give it it’s unique personality.”

A black ink pen and paper always at hand, Gérard Henry explores, observes, and captures the essence of Hong Kong in his intricate, delicate, and highly detailed drawings as well as his writings. Through his compositions he offers us his vision of the city – one that is both poetic and warm.

Gérard Henry is a writer and an art critic who also practices drawing and sketching. What started as a form of meditation quickly became a daily ritual in his life – an avid stroller and a quiet spectator, he puts down on paper illustrated and written reflexions, musings, and contemplations.

In his work he chronicles back alleys, old architecture, houses, flora, fauna, and scenes captured on the fringes of the city he has called home since 1981. He also draws portraits where he reveals the personality of his friends through their home or studio as well as the paraphernalia they surround themselves with – he feels that where a person lives is a projection of their inner self.

Drawing and writing are for him two complementary ways of archiving the city. Most of Henry’s sketches are reflections on Hong Kong’s intangible spirit, its festivals, and its traditions. Drawing Hong Kong is also a way of traveling through the city. He never works after photos; instead, he always draws what he sees and feels on the spot.

“Giacometti once said, “drawing makes me understand things” and I know that to be true. Drawing forces you to observe, to discern, otherwise one would not be able to draw. Whether the result is a masterpiece or not doesn’t matter, the simple action of drawing is a profound experience that expands our understanding of the world around us.”

Hong Kong: Between Mountains and Sea is an exhibition of a curated selection of Henry’s drawings coupled with excerpts from his new book. Presented like a visual diary, they reflect his involvement in the art scene and strong connection to the city – a real testament to his deep affection for Hong Kong. As viewers we get to embark on an intimate journey of Hong Kong seen through Henry’s eyes and fall in love, repeatedly, with this beautiful city.

This exhibition is an Associated Programme of Le French May Arts Festival 2024

Books and prints by the artist will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition.