Kaio Wu Hiu Nam (b. 1998), holds BFA at RMIT University and Hong Kong Art School, pursuing MA at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Wu focuses on contemporary culture and social ideologies, presenting design and conceptual form with found objects. Wu's works focuses on contemporary ideologies and the contradictory relationships between art systems, knowledge, and elitism. Wu's works are presented in various mediums of conceptual art, including modified ready-mades, installations, text, and images. Wu's artworks emphasize the use of text, employing symbolic and critical content to critique contemporary knowledge structures.
Wu's works have been exhibited at Hong Kong Arts Centre (HK), chi K11 Art Space (HK), CICA Museum (Gimpo,KR), Hong Kong Visual Art Centre (HK), 10 Chancery Lane Gallery (HK), Hidden Space (HK), WURE AREA (HK) and published in Bowen Street Press (Melbourne,AU). Wu also occasionally writes articles on contemporary forms and art-related topics and participates in curatorial and designs.
胡曉楠（1998年出生於香港）香港藝術學院及皇家墨爾本理工大學藝術文學士，現於香港中文大學修讀文碩士。胡氏主要研究當代意識形態，藝術系統與知識、精英主義之間的矛盾關係，胡氏作品以多種媒介的概念藝術形式呈現，包括加工現成物、裝置、文字及影像等。胡氏的作品重視文字運用，利用具象徵性及批判性的文本批判當代知識形態。
胡氏以策劃自己的個人展覽，包括視覺設計、策展及空間運用而為人認識。胡氏作品曾於香港藝術中心、K11藝術空間、CICA Museum、10號贊善里畫廊、Hidden Space等藝術空間展出，不時書寫有關當代形態或藝術相關文章，不時參與展覽策劃與設計。
[Artist CV]
About my practice
Observing Social Consciousness and Blind Spots, Criticising Elitism in Contemporary Art
As an artist from Hong Kong, I am interested in observing the collective social consciousness, especially in a highly competitive society like Hong Kong. I explore critical social issues implicit in mainstream culture and reflect on the qualities of contemporary artists. I believe artists play a crucial role in society as thinkers and facilitators of emotional expression. They remind the public to contemplate the soul and self-essence.
Today, society is filled with falsehoods and single-minded information, so it is important to maintain independent thinking. My research project, "In Artist, Status Anxiety," reflects on themes such as elitism and status anxiety tolerated within the contemporary artist and art system. Many artists strive to fit the image of an artist, longing to be admired and officially recognized. Through my work, I humorously satirise blind spots in contemporary thinking, even among artists. I criticise systemic errors in contemporary art and society, serving as a reminder and a way for me to reflect on myself.
Incorporating Conceptual Art into Modern Design, exploring the Practicality of Artworks
The narrow living spaces in Hong Kong inspire my artistic creations. Influenced by Bauhaus and conceptual art, my works incorporate elements of modern design to create art that is not dependent on physical space. Possess in four aspects: artistic, intellectual, practical, and decorative qualities, I believe that a piece of art can truly become a conceptual artwork with modernity and contemporary artistic nature, while also being usable when these four aspects are fulfilled.
My work mainly focuses on black humor and straightforward texts. I believe that words and text are the only form of expression that will never become outdated or expire. Through words, I can directly resonate and connect with the audience. I avoid utilizing abstract or meaningless patterns or images and graphics applied to artworks. Instead, I strive to present the essence of design, text, and concepts in a direct and original, minimal approach.
(E) kaiowu18@gmail.com
Wu's works have been exhibited at Hong Kong Arts Centre (HK), chi K11 Art Space (HK), CICA Museum (Gimpo,KR), Hong Kong Visual Art Centre (HK), 10 Chancery Lane Gallery (HK), Hidden Space (HK), WURE AREA (HK) and published in Bowen Street Press (Melbourne,AU). Wu also occasionally writes articles on contemporary forms and art-related topics and participates in curatorial and designs.
胡曉楠（1998年出生於香港）香港藝術學院及皇家墨爾本理工大學藝術文學士，現於香港中文大學修讀文碩士。胡氏主要研究當代意識形態，藝術系統與知識、精英主義之間的矛盾關係，胡氏作品以多種媒介的概念藝術形式呈現，包括加工現成物、裝置、文字及影像等。胡氏的作品重視文字運用，利用具象徵性及批判性的文本批判當代知識形態。
胡氏以策劃自己的個人展覽，包括視覺設計、策展及空間運用而為人認識。胡氏作品曾於香港藝術中心、K11藝術空間、CICA Museum、10號贊善里畫廊、Hidden Space等藝術空間展出，不時書寫有關當代形態或藝術相關文章，不時參與展覽策劃與設計。
[Artist CV]
About my practice
Observing Social Consciousness and Blind Spots, Criticising Elitism in Contemporary Art
As an artist from Hong Kong, I am interested in observing the collective social consciousness, especially in a highly competitive society like Hong Kong. I explore critical social issues implicit in mainstream culture and reflect on the qualities of contemporary artists. I believe artists play a crucial role in society as thinkers and facilitators of emotional expression. They remind the public to contemplate the soul and self-essence.
Today, society is filled with falsehoods and single-minded information, so it is important to maintain independent thinking. My research project, "In Artist, Status Anxiety," reflects on themes such as elitism and status anxiety tolerated within the contemporary artist and art system. Many artists strive to fit the image of an artist, longing to be admired and officially recognized. Through my work, I humorously satirise blind spots in contemporary thinking, even among artists. I criticise systemic errors in contemporary art and society, serving as a reminder and a way for me to reflect on myself.
Incorporating Conceptual Art into Modern Design, exploring the Practicality of Artworks
The narrow living spaces in Hong Kong inspire my artistic creations. Influenced by Bauhaus and conceptual art, my works incorporate elements of modern design to create art that is not dependent on physical space. Possess in four aspects: artistic, intellectual, practical, and decorative qualities, I believe that a piece of art can truly become a conceptual artwork with modernity and contemporary artistic nature, while also being usable when these four aspects are fulfilled.
My work mainly focuses on black humor and straightforward texts. I believe that words and text are the only form of expression that will never become outdated or expire. Through words, I can directly resonate and connect with the audience. I avoid utilizing abstract or meaningless patterns or images and graphics applied to artworks. Instead, I strive to present the essence of design, text, and concepts in a direct and original, minimal approach.
(E) kaiowu18@gmail.com