Remote Sample Access/ HKBU, AVA/ Artist-in-Residence, Hong Kong, June/July 2019

An Exploration of Boundaries and Identity in Hong Kong. 

This project created during Kearney’s six-week residency, took an approach to engage with the evolving political landscape of Hong Kong. The installation offered a multifaceted experience that invited viewers to reconsider their place within this complex urban environment. 

Remote Sample Access featured a black inflated sphere (all-seeing) in constant rotation, positioned in the centre of the room in what was once the artist's studio. Below this, a network of white netting stretched across the room, a notional datum fixed to the studio's walls by bamboo scaffolding used commonly in the building trade across the city. This architectural boundary created a division within the space, compelling viewers to observe the installation from the outside, through open windows and doors. 

Live streaming of environmental sounds was capturing the vitality of human, animal, and bird activity, as well as the nuances of weather conditions, all from the immediate surroundings of the studio. These sounds were transformed and projected into the studio, introducing an unpredictable auditory layer that blurred the conventional distinctions between inside and outside spaces. 

Remote Sample Access was a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the artist's relationship with the rapidly changing political environment of Hong Kong. It transcended the confines of traditional gallery experiences, offering a dynamic, multisensory journey that prompted viewers to reevaluate their roles within the intricate fabric of Hong Kong's urban landscape. In a time of political change and uncertainty, this installation served as a testament to the transformative potential of art in fostering reflection and introspection. It challenged viewers to think beyond the physical boundaries and consider the evolving social and political boundaries that shape their lives in this vibrant city. Remote Sample Access demonstrated the ability of art to create meaningful connections and offer fresh perspectives in an ever-changing world.