FOR THE TIME BEING
Solo Exhibition by Camille Levert
2 December 2021 - 29 January 2022
La Galerie is delighted to present 3 original series of unique pieces by Camille Levert.
Camille Levert has created thousands of pictures of her adopted town of Hong Kong. Her sharp eye captures the local culture and fragile historical testimonies, which becomes more fleeting as these visual markers continue to disappear.
Through a combination of original photo documentation, found imagery, and mixed media, she creates layered three-dimensional objects with assiduous care. Each piece consists of a combination of more than ten layers of photographs, collaged vintage magazine imagery and/or hand sewn embroidery. The effect is of a time-space clash. The viewer is invited to immerse in these poetic and meticulous works where present and past meet, continuing to reveal Levert’s strong connection to Hong Kong.
Reclamation Street
2021, Photography, mixed media and 3D collage, 50 x 60 x 8 cm
CORNER HOUSES
“Corner houses are at the crossroads of the major thoroughfares and arteries of Hong Kong. They are witnesses to the confluence of the dense flow of the town and remain pillars of the past. Laundry, AC, opened windows seem like embroideries in their pale colors. I have such a pleasure in collecting, cutting and preserving those images of a disappearing reality. Hong Kong is a continually developing city. It reaches a goal. It crosses times, instead of letting time cross it. It leaves behind former architectures which do not fit its ambitions any more. These buildings have a limited life span. Their peculiar charm, their histories anchored in memories inspire my work.”
—— Camille Levert
Hair Salon
2021, Photography and 3D collage, 60 x 42 x 8 cm
STAIRCASES
In the old buildings, staircases directly open onto the street. The eye can follow their path, we can imagine other lives up there. A world of possible lives… But we will not climb up. They remain secret. Then we continue our walk and forget… Camille Levert’s series invites our imagination in those so banal – so extraordinary staircases. Her technique enhances the mystery: it is a faithful and subtle metamorphosis of the everyday architecture. The staircases catches the attention : the building, the men, the town disappear. Our fantasy is free to recreate its own projection.
Firecracker
2021, Photography, mixed media and 3D collage, 60 x 42 x 8 cm
Tung Fong Guest House
2021, Photography and 3D collage, 60 x 42 x 8 cm
State Theatre
2018, Photography, mixed media, embroidery and 3D collage, 65 x 47 x 10 cm
TO-DAY NEXT CHANGE
As are the corner houses, theatres are also witnesses to the past. New buildings are taking their places. Some have already been destroyed and Camille Levert’s artworks are the vibrant revival of their prestigious story.
Artist Insights
Learn more about the inspiration and creative thoughts behind Camille Levert's latest works in interview with the artist.
La Galerie Paris 1839
Art Gallery in Central
G/F, 74 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tuesday - Saturday | 11am - 7pm