KC100 Art Space presents: “When the Bubble Bursts” by Jessie Siu

Hong Kong artist Jessie Siu’s solo exhibition “When the Bubble Bursts” is inspired by a verse in the Buddhist text the Diamond Sutra: “This fleeting world is like a bubble in a stream, a flash of lightning, a phantom, and a dream.” It features a variety of works in multiple styles created during the 2020 coronavirus outbreak.

Jessie employs a variety of artistic styles and mixed media to depict the human predicament we find ourselves in. The artworks in the exhibition appear to be colourful, lively, and dynamic, but behind the jolly facades, serious and important issues about life, such as reincarnation of life and death, the pursuit of happiness, and the reality illusion, are being addressed.

According to Buddhism, all sentient beings are trapped in the cycle of existence known as samsara. There is no end to this repetitive cycle of birth and death in the six realms of reality. Instead of finding an escape, we devote ourselves entirely to pursue happiness. We are totally suspended in the reality bubble and wander aimlessly from one life to another. Bursting the bubbles is the only way to see beyond the warped perception of reality.