The Art of Time

The art museum within Tai Kwun is currently hosting a new exhibition titled "On Kawara: Freedom of Rule, Rule of Freedom." Every postcard sent, every date painted, every journey recorded—artist On Kawara transformed these everyday actions into profound artistic expressions that transcend time and space. Systematically documenting his existence, Kawara used communication tools of his era—postcards, telegrams, calendars, and CDs—to mark his presence and connect with others, long before the digital sharing age we live in today. His work continues to provoke thought. "On Kawara: Freedom of Rule, Rule of Freedom" showcases a series of representative works spanning half a century of the artist's creative journey. As the first major retrospective planned after his passing, the exhibition features his renowned "Date Paintings," which highlight his unique systematic approach to art. These works fundamentally reshape our understanding of time and existence. At the core of Kawara's creations lies a constant negotiation between self-imposed creative rules and personal experiences. His art elevates daily records into profound meditations on time, existence, and survival, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries to offer universal reflections on the human condition. The exhibition focuses on Kawara's perspective as a global citizen and philosophical artist, exploring how his works connect the everyday with the metaphysical, simplicity with complexity, and the present with eternity. His minimalist yet deeply meaningful approach captures the familiar contradictions of our contemporary globalized world, seeking stability amidst constant flux.