Katy Lau

Four, ink on paper, 62 x 62 cm, 2025

This body of work explores the ambiguous and fluid state between change and constancy. Drawing on Heidegger’s idea of Being and Daoist notions of form and formlessness, each blossom unfolds as a moment of becoming—where presence, memory, and perception shift within the act of seeing.

Lion Rock Variation, inkjet print on paper, 29.7 x 21cm x 8, 2024

This work explores the themes of time and transformation through a repetitive process of photocopying my Chinese painting of Lion Rock. The result of the first copy was reproduced, and each subsequent photocopy was repeated with the same step.

The repeated photocopying emphasizes the change in materiality. The image undergoes transformation, distortion, and a loss of detail with each reproduction, highlighting the subtle yet inevitable shifts that occur over time.

The gradual fading of the ink reflects the passage of time, which dilutes memories, blurs emotions, and, due to migration, creates a sense of alienation.

Nature is intangible. Just like fleeting mist, clouds, and wind, the fading image represents the elusive and ever-changing aspects of the natural world.

The number eight carries layered symbolism. In Chinese culture, it is often associated with good fortune and prosperity, while in other cultures it symbolizes infinity (∞), representing an endless cycle. This repetition mirrors the infinite flow of time, suggesting a dynamic and ongoing process that aligns with the concept of continuous change.