Hug 抱抱

Solo Exhibition, 4 April – 4 May 2023
个展，2023 年 4月4日 – 5月4日

Every year, nearly 800,000 people take their own lives, often as an impulsive response to crisis, such as financial problems, relationship break-up, chronic pain, illness and stress. While mental disorders and substance abuse are linked to suicide in high-income countries, isolation, violence, abuse, and loss can also contribute to suicidal behaviour.

Even more so, according to the WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about its impact on mental health and the psycho-social well-being of individuals. It is estimated that the pandemic has triggered a 25% increase in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression.

I believe that what we truly lack in today’s world is not just basic necessities like food and shelter, but rather the feeling of being cared for and loved, and the assurance that we are not alone and that reaching out for help will not result in rejection. It seems that this loving “touch” is what’s missing in today’s society.

These series of works is a follow-up exhibition on the postponed Love series, which delves into the act of touch. The exhibition showcases a series of wired sculptures portraying babies, which have been exhibited in the gallery. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the artworks by holding, carrying and hugging the sculptures.

每年有近 80 万人结束自己的生命，通常是面临经济问题、关系破裂、慢性疼痛、疾病和压力等危机的冲动反应。虽然精神障碍和药物滥用与高收入国家的自杀有关，但孤立、暴力、虐待和损失也可能导致自杀行为。

更重要的是，据世界卫生组织的调查，COVID-19 疫情引发了人们对其对个人心理健康和心理社会福祉影响的担忧。据估计，新冠疫情导致全球焦虑和抑郁症患病率增加了 25%。

我相信，我们现在的世界真正缺乏的不仅仅是食物和住所等基本必需品，而是被关心和被爱的感觉，以及我们可以确信自己并不孤单、并且寻求帮助时不会遭到拒绝与否定。看来，这种爱的“感动”正是当今社会所缺失的。