8 Over 8 (八個八) is a group exhibition by 8 young and emerging London-based Hong Kong artists. Using their experiences of being students and artists abroad, they reflect on the manifestations of Hong Kong culture in their own artistic practices through themes of memory, language, and identity.
The number '8' carries auspicious meanings in Hong Kong and in the Cantonese language. Therefore, the chosen name of the exhibition goes hand-in-hand with themes of cultural identity, tradition, and superstition. The visual identity for 8 Over 8 should be treated with the same intentionality—carrying visual tropes deep-rooted in Hong Kong culture, whilst still becoming its own unique visual voice.
Initial ideas revolved around the characteristics of Hong Kong humor (港式幽默), or Mo lei tau—a brand of comedy that is often seen as nonsensical, virtually untranslatable, with juxtapositions and word-plays that make it uniquely Hong Kong: the colors chosen for the exhibition identity reflects the outrageous, physics-defying comical stunts seen in cinematic examples of Mo lei tau, whilst thin-weight outlines and radiating patterns reflect elements from primary school textbook illustrations and vibrant Hong Kong cash notes. Truly a city that never sleeps, the concept of a 'night' and 'day' poster reflects on the city's lively nightlife and iconic neon street signs.
⇩ Posters ⇩
⇩ Post Cards ⇩
⇩ Exhibition Map ⇩
⇩ Artist Post Cards ⇩
⇩ Social Media ⇩
⇩ Animated Poster ⇩
☞ Thanks for viewing! ☜
