Lotus L. Kang’s exhibition “Already” at 52 Walker, curated by Ebony L. Haynes, offers a captivating exploration of poetic abstractions through everyday objects. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by metal drums resembling anchovies suspended from the ceiling, evoking a sense of both ritualistic death and collective possibility. The meticulous rearrangements of these quasi-chimes reward patient observers, inviting them to ponder the artist’s diasporic experiences as a “fish out of water.”
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the “Receiver Transmitter” structures, steel greenhouse forms that serve as a backdrop for Kang’s film tanning process. The greenhouse structures, drained of warmth and sunlight, house objects like Styrofoam fruit nets, lotus tubers, liquor bottles, and porcelain bird figurines, creating a mechanical throat-like ambiance. The juxtaposition of abundance and emptiness challenges viewers to contemplate the essence of life and loss.
Kang’s “Molt” series features dramatic scrolls of film that change slowly when exposed to light, showcasing gradients reminiscent of a city skyline at dusk or an X-ray scan. The interactive nature of these photo negatives invites viewers to project their interpretations onto the artwork, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Philosopher Byung-Chul Han’s concept of “shanzhai” resonates throughout Kang’s work, emphasizing fluidity and transformation over static objecthood. This philosophy challenges traditional Western art paradigms and consumerist tendencies, offering a refuge for marginalized voices. As Kang navigates themes of defeat and resilience through her art, she highlights the potential for new possibilities to emerge from forbidden processes.
Descending into the gallery space, visitors encounter Kang’s magnum opus, “Azaleas II,” a mesmerizing installation that projects ribbons of color around the room. Incorporating elements from Kim Hyesoon’s “Autobiography of Death,” the work defies easy interpretation, inviting viewers to delve into the archives and engage with the historical and material research underpinning Kang’s practice.
In a world besieged by political pessimism, Kang’s work serves as a beacon of hope, shifting the focus from an idealized destination to the beauty of the ongoing journey. By embracing the inevitability of cyclical struggles and the imperative of collective resilience, Kang challenges viewers to ponder the essence of freedom and the power of continuous transformation.
“Lotus L. Kang: Already” at 52 Walker offers a thought-provoking exploration of life, loss, and the enduring spirit of creativity. Curated by Ebony L. Haynes, this exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where art transcends boundaries and invites introspection.
