Miu Ling Lam: Erased Murmurs
Artist(s):
Title:
- Erased Murmurs
Exhibition:
Medium:
- Interactive Installation
Category:
Artist Statement:
Erased Murmurs is an interactive installation that brings attention to the disappearing and often overlooked graffiti, focusing on emotionally significant words written in public spaces in Hong Kong. The artwork explores themes of public expression and the lasting impact of the 2019 – 2020 Hong Kong protests.
The installation features a book containing a collection of photographs capturing the graffiti in its original state. To mimic the attempts to conceal graffiti with patches of paint, which paradoxically makes the act of covering up stand out, the artist has covered the words in the photos with special ink, rendering them invisible to the naked eye. To reveal the hidden text, visitors must employ infrared reflectography using a handheld infrared light provided.
This interactive element of the artwork engages the audience in a process of discovery. The act of revealing these messages creates a sense of connection between the viewers and the anonymous authors of the graffiti, whose voices are momentarily brought back to life.
The words hidden behind the special ink are not random but have been carefully selected for their emotional significance. The order of the words is crafted into a cohesive narrative. Through personal confessions, expressions of inner struggle, complaints against society, and messages of consolation and support, the graffiti serves as a window into the emotional landscape of Hong Kong residents in the aftermath of the protests.
Erased Murmurs is an examination of the impermanence of public expression. It invites viewers to confront their own emotional responses to these erased messages and to consider the broader implications of silencing voices in public spaces. Ultimately, the installation stands as a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of those who continue to make their voices heard, even in the most challenging circumstances.
