WHAT
Jing Kewen’s second solo exhibition with Massimo de Carlo Hong Kong is a series of paintings portraying the artist’s personal collections of historical and stylish objects. Born and raised in China, the artist has always been inspired by old photographs found at flea markets, which is why he is known for painting black-and-white photographs. Jing is especially interested in the stories behind these items; whether the objects are mysterious or mundane, he recreates the stories behind their existence.

WHY
From Coke cans to collars awarded by the People’s Liberation army, Jing not only depicts items from his own personal collection, but also highlights symbolic items of the world. One painting features a Coke can with a clown on it; the can is used as a potent symbol of American culture while the clown is a symbol of a well-known circus in Russia. The syncretism of these two ideas displays Jing’s knowledge while also showcasing the depth of mundane objects to the audience. Maybe one day the objects we encounter will have a deeper meaning within history.