Journey to the West / 西遊
A France–Hong Kong Artistic Dialogue through Contemporary Art and Cloisonné Thangka
6–14 August 2026
Léo Yeung: Solo Exhibition
15–24 August 2026
Extended Exhibition Featuring Debby Shing and Guest Artists
Hours
12:00–19:00
Venue
LIVIN Artspace
PMQ (元創方) H303, Block B
35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
Vernissage
Friday, 7 August 2026
17:00–18:00 Preview
18:00–21:00 Opening Reception
Curatorial Statement
Journey to the West explores the universal human experience of travel, transformation, and the pursuit of meaning. Inspired by the Buddhist classic of the same name, the exhibition reimagines the “journey” as not only a physical voyage but also a psychological and spiritual one.
Presented in two chapters, the project begins with a solo exhibition by Léo Yeung, followed by a two-week collaborative exhibition with master practitioners of Cloisonné Thangka (掐絲琺瑯唐卡). Together, the two exhibitions create a dialogue between contemporary artistic practice and a centuries-old sacred tradition.
From the eastern edge of Asia, both France and Tibet lie to the west. While Leo’s artistic journey has led him westward to France in pursuit of new life possibilities, this artspace also turns westward towards Tibet, drawing inspiration from its rich artistic heritage and Buddhist philosophy. These two parallel journeys—one contemporary, one traditional—meet within a shared exploration of the human spirit.
Leo’s paintings are inspired by cloud formations seen through airplane windows. Suspended between departure and arrival, the clouds become metaphors for migration, uncertainty, hope, and transformation. They also echo the sacred clouds in Buddhist Thangka paintings, creating a visual connection between contemporary abstraction and traditional iconography.
Developed during Leo’s artist residency at LIVIN Artspace in PMQ, the project extends this dialogue through experimentation with enamel colours and Tibetan natural mineral pigments in his contemporary paintings. The introduction of these historic materials adds new layers of texture, symbolism, and cultural memory to his practice.
Rather than contrasting tradition with innovation, the collaborative exhibition reveals their common ground. The Cloisonné Thangka embodies centuries of accumulated craftsmanship, patience, and spiritual discipline, while Leo’s experimental materials and contemporary language reflect an ongoing search for new artistic possibilities. Though separated by time and technique, both practices share a commitment to contemplation, transformation, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Ultimately, Journey to the West is an artistic dialogue across cultures, generations, and artistic traditions. It invites viewers to discover that every journey—whether towards France, Tibet, or within oneself—is ultimately a search for deeper understanding and a shared human spirit.
Curated by Tsugumi Inokuma
Website
www.facebook.com/livinxarts
@livinxarts @leoyeung.fr @debbyshing @tsultrimnorbu.thangka