UOB Art Space

Mountains Beyond (2024) is an interactive ink art installation by Hong Kong artist Yau Wing Fung, commissioned by UOB. The large-scale cyclical installation immerses audiences in an exploration of the profound effects of pollution on both humanity and the natural environment. By fostering a dynamic interaction between man and nature through space and time, the artwork inspires viewers to consider human impact on our surroundings.

The landscape painting portrays the breathtaking scenery of different inhabited islands in Hong Kong, linked together in a panoramic composition. He presents the islands in the form of rubbing – using dabber, ink and other materials to transfer textures onto paper in a white-on-black representation. This technique is a time-honoured method for the ancients to retain authenticity, mementos and records. Yau’s work honours the untouched beauty of the islands in this form, leaving white space – a concept central to traditional Chinese painting – against the dynamism and vibrancy of the city’s development.

To transcend the constraints of two-dimensional ink paintings and enable audiences to engage with multiple perspectives, Yau has mounted the landscape painting onto the inner walls of a monumental cylindrical structure, forming a circular and complete imagery of landscape. This approach forms a panoramic continuum that breaks away from traditional viewing experiences. As viewers freely navigate through the space, they are presented with an opportunity to observe the painted islands from multiple vantage points, from afar to up close, from ground level to elevated heights, and to experience the peace of a deserted island while travelling through the repeating scenery of mountains and rivers. The installation sits atop a reflective surface patterned with water ripples, creating an impression of the islands floating amidst the sea. As audiences traverse the shimmering surface, an ephemeral yet profound connection emerges, between the self, the surrounding environment and nature.

Urban development and transformation often disrupt nature’s delicate balance, resulting in ecological damage. While light symbolises beauty, warmth and positivity, light pollution also plays a significant role in ecological disturbances. Sources such as neon lights, buildings and everyday illumination all contribute to obscuring the night sky’s starry beauty. To highlight the impact of light pollution, Yau has installed LED lights along the inner walls of the artwork. The lights will adjust based on the number of visitors and their proximity. Through Mountains Beyond, Yau encourages audiences to reflect on introspection by juxtaposing the coexistence and contradictions of human and nature, light and light pollution, thereby unearthing the often-overlooked repercussions of our pursuit of glamour.