Para Site celebrates its 25th anniversary with the double exhibition “Noble Rot”

Para Site celebrates its 25th anniversary with “Noble Rot” a two-part exhibition organised by Cusson Cheng, Celia Ho, Kobe Ko, and Ellie Tse. The first, which will be held from 4 December 2021 to 16 January 2022 features artists Herman Chan Ho Wang, Natasha Cheung, Chu Hoi Ding, Koel Chu Ka Kiu, Rannie Ip Ka Man, Florence Lam, Man Ting Vanessa Lam, Hou Lam Tsui and Wong Winsome Dumalagan; the second (29 Jan 2022–Feb. 20 2022) features artists Chung Wing Shan, Hong Wah, Wing Sze Ng, Michelle Tam Man-Ching, Tam Rafael Vun Kwan, Ice Wong Kei Suet, Wong Pak Hang, Jennifer Yue Yuen Yu and Yuen Nga Chi. All 18 artists present, participants of 2046 Fermentation + Fellowships held in October 2021, present new commissions especially realized for the exhibitions. ‘Noble Rot’ is financially supported by the Project Grant of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

The “noble rot” in viniculture is the fungal infestation of ripened grapes that allows the process that leads to the making of wine. This concept is brought to the exhibition as a metaphor for an oxymoronic phenomenon of destruction and creativity. The infection is seen as a metabolic transformation, a metamorphosis that leads to a new status, a rebirth after times of crisis, a response to fracture.

Additionally, if seen through the point of view of the noble rot – which is still a living being – relations of power, social and economic structures and human issues reveal their caducity. As soon as we step out of the anthropocentric frame we are in,  Understanding the “noble rot” means learning how to reap the fruit, understanding when it is time, reserving the right time to mature. Para Site, after 25 years of activity, decided to bring a brilliant reflection on the passing of time.

Noble Rot
December 4, 2021–February 20, 2022

Part 1 opening reception: December 3, 7pm – 9pm
Part 2 opening reception: January 28, 7pm – 9pm