GROUP EXHIBITION

Trends closely engage with a variety of socio-cultural and economic factors. As onshore winds and tidal currents occurring at certain times according to seasons and regions contributed to the emergence of trade across continents, trends which dominate a period and disappear enable not only each individual to discover her or his taste but the economy to grow. Above all, they correspond to the human instinct to chase novelty. It is obvious that the cycle of trends is shortening in the current society since the advance of technology has reinforced globalisation. In a way, it would not be too much to say that there is no longer a predominant style; no more people blindly go after the fashion of flare trousers, disco or the star-studded cast of Hollywood blockbusters.

The Road Not Taken, a representative narrative poem by Robert Frost, consists of reflections appearing while strolling. On the contrary to the plain tone of this idyllic poem reminiscent of confessions, it deals with profound themes which are choices made each day and their consequences. When you travel, deciding where to visit in a limited amount of time implies giving up on other places not taken. Hence, a person’s life is regarded as the sum of choices and the irreversibility of time signifies that the result of the choices can not be undone. Under this condition, trends that reflect the views of the majority offer an escape and comfort to people who are inevitably demanded to make decisions in their life, reducing regret about not being able to choose.

On the other hand, trends often are contrary to taste. As appreciating art is a process of listening to artists’ voice embodied in visual elements and internalising it, trends can be unwelcomed in the art scene where diversity should be valued. Especially, the more art is frequently integrated with other fields such as fashion and design, the more the influence of specific tendencies and movements implanted into media considerably increases. At last, it leads to paying attention to the act of ‘curating’ which should be prioritised in terms of establishing an exhibition. A careful deliberation on why participating artists and their works need to be introduced and what impact an exhibition can give on a community is a crucial activity to enrich the exhibition and respect its audience and artists.

Having consistently shown their outstanding artistic achievement, the six artists presented in this exhibition have drawn Baton’s constant attention for a long period of time. The originality, aesthetics and messages delivered in the works by the artists of different genres including painting, installation and video have been acclaimed highly by viewers and critics in the mainstream. It is a meaningful opportunity to discover the artists’ new series that they have prepared for this exhibition. We expect that it will give an inspiring experience of joy and inspiration on the unexpected path guided by Baton.

Gallery Baton