Where Did All the Water Go:
Displaying Trevor Yeung’s Lived Installations in a Museum Setting
Join us at M+ for a conversation between artist Trevor Yeung, curator Olivia Chow, and conservator Alessandra Guarascio on 'Trevor Yeung: Courtyard of Detachments'.
As Trevor Yeung returns to M+ with a new configuration of his commissioned solo exhibition, what challenges and opportunities arise when transforming living ecosystems into museum displays?
Trevor Yeung: Courtyard of Detachments examines the relationships between human and aquatic ecosystems through the concept of detachment—the conscious practice of letting go by withdrawing care even as lingering remnants make their presence known, which is the extreme counterpart to attachment.
Envisioned as a return presentation of Yeung’s project for the 60th International Art Exhibition — La Biennale di Venezia in 2024, where it was presented as Hong Kong’s Collateral Event, Trevor Yeung: Courtyard of Detachments revisits his work in a new context. The exhibition continues Yeung's investigation on sentimentality, desire, and power dynamics through his enduring fascination with aquatic systems and site-specific installations. Visitors familiar with Yeung’s presentation in Venice may find themselves wondering: Where did all the water go? The pet fish shop and Venetian courtyard—once teeming with life in Venice—now return to M+ stripped of their living elements, leaving behind dried algae marks and water stains that set a somber tone.
Moderated by conservator Alessandra Guarascio, Trevor Yeung will join exhibition curator Olivia Chow in a conversation reflecting on how living installations might be presented within a museum context. Together, they will also discuss the artistic and curatorial considerations through the response exhibition’s concept and display at M+.
This talk will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese and Mandarin. Click ‘Register’ to sign up for free. Participants can access General Admission exhibitions (excluding Special Exhibition) after the event. Please retain a copy of your registration to facilitate your entry to the galleries.
This talk is co-organised by M+ and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
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