The Massimo de Carlo gallery in Tai Kwun presents “Magnetic,” the debut Hong Kong exhibition of French artist Jean-Marie Appriou. Born in the coastal city of Brest, France, Appriou’s deep-seated fascination with the ocean comes to life in this showcase. The exhibition explores the complex interplay between nature, science, and mythology, highlighting our limited understanding of the world’s enigmatic forces.
Appriou’s creations, a blend of the marvelous and the slightly unnerving, are masterfully crafted from materials like aluminum and glass. His sculptures, including luminescent squid-shaped lamps and metallic eels, embody a lifelike presence that captivates and intrigues. The artist delves into the concept of magnetism, drawing inspiration from how migratory animals are guided by the Earth’s magnetic poles, and how they symbolize life’s interconnected cycles.
In “Magnetic,” Appriou uses stainless steel for the first time, a material that conjures both allure and a sense of distant coldness, akin to the nature of magnetic poles. One notable piece, ‘Astronauts’, features a pair of diminutive human figures in space helmets, evoking the imagery of life’s cellular genesis and duality.
Focusing on the electric eel, Appriou highlights its fascinating migratory instincts and its capability to produce significant electrical power. These creatures not only bridge the gap between nature and science but also historically inspired scientific advancements, like Alessandro Volta’s first battery. Similarly, Appriou’s portrayal of squids pays homage to their ethereal qualities and their place in both literature and myth.
Appriou’s artistic journey, shaped by his early dreams of archaeology and later his interest in mythology and cultural customs, is enriched by his travels. His experiences in Shanghai, observing the cultural practices surrounding hairy crabs, and his encounters with Inuit beliefs in Greenland, inform his artistic narrative. In Hong Kong, the use of bamboo in construction particularly captivated him, illustrating his keen interest in the intersection of different cultural realms.
“Magnetic” is not just an exhibition of oceanic art but a poetic attempt to build bridges across disparate worlds, revealing the harmonious coexistence of nature, myth, and science.
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