NURIA MORA

Waterfalls and Magpies is inspired from a personal encounter between Nuria Mora and her friend during a moment of vulnerability. While caring for her friend who was feeling unwell, a solitary magpie appeared on their terrace, triggering feelings of fear and anxiety due to its association with bad luck in Western cultures. In contrast, Eastern cultures—including those in China, Korea, and India, celebrate the magpie as a symbol of good fortune, joy, and auspicious encounters. This striking contrast between interpretations prompted a deep exploration for Mora.

“Who came, sure, from a sea of light?” 90.0 × 70.0 cm, Acrylic, oil sand on canvas, 2025

The magpie’s dual significance inspired her to reflect on how the same experience can evoke vastly different emotions and narratives depending on cultural context. This encounter served as a catalyst for Mora’s artistic exploration of perspective, prompting her to consider how individuals can choose the stories they inhabit—narratives that can transform fear into hope and chaos into renewal.

“Four for a boy” 15.0 × 22.0 + 22.0 × 27.0 + 27.0 × 22.0 + 10.0 × 27.0 cm, Acrylic, sand and oil on linen on wood, 2025

By channeling these themes into her work, Mora invites audiences to experience this extraordinary artistic journey. The exhibition symbolizes this journey with a waterfall that flows into countless reflections, showcasing the infinite potential for transformation within narratives. Waterfalls and Magpies aims to celebrate the freedom of individual choice and emphasizes the ability to find light even in darkness, revealing the multiple dimensions of symbols across different cultures. As a vibrant intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong resonates deeply with this perspective, embodying a rich tapestry of cultural coexistence. Mora’s art fosters open dialogue among the diverse environments of the city and encourages viewers to appreciate the various possibilities of narratives within our urban landscape through Waterfalls and Magpies.

“Playero” 18.0 × 7.0 cm, Ceramica esmaltada, 2025