Hanqing Ma

In searching for the poetic possibility of spaces, my photographic approach involves a particular stance towards unresolved and unfinished areas, utilising a sense suspended construction. By working with monochromatic subject matter in constructed space, the photographic discourse surrounding the themes of urban social spaces, architecture and dwelling is addressed. This piece represents a visual study of the idea of non-place by Marc Auge. The subject of the photograph is drawn from a series of architectural structures, which were built in transit places, such as an abandoned garage or a storing space. These monumental places were set to be demolished in the following year for the reason of CBD area construction. From 'the place of memory' to Marc Auge considered 'non-place', the photograph subconsciously attempts to create evidence of the process of the formation of new urban structures. The work also considers the aesthetics of materiality and emptiness, which reflects on my studies of the ‘photo-object’ through my collaboration with sculptor, Mona Yoo.

The collaborative pieces were inspired by the idea of displacement. By switching the gesture of the space, a monumental sculptural structure was formed in the attempt to seek a dialogue between the image and space. Meanwhile, the sculpture works in connection to my photographic work and the idea of poetics of space, which is physically represented as the overbuilt wall and the unfinished wall shown in each other’s space.