The Hartz Project is delighted to present "Lost and Found", a duo show by British artist Thomas Cameron and London-based Korean artist Momin Choi, exploring the complexity of urban life and its tension within. The exhibition will open on 17 January, 2026, and run through 7 March 2026, at Gaia Art Space in Hong Kong. Within the vibrant chaos of urban existence, individuals often find themselves caught in the relentless cycles of work, striving to secure the essentials of life while inadvertently drifting from their true selves. "Lost and Found" metaphorically explores this dynamic, uncovering the intricacies of city living through the distinctive perspectives of both artists.
Cameron beautifully captures the charm of the ordinary in his oil paintings, focusing on everyday scenes that quietly tell untold stories. Even the most unremarkable urban landscapes—ordinary people and familiar street corners—radiate a captivating allure when reimagined through his artistic lens. This beauty is tinged with a haunting sense of fragility, evoking deep empathy and stirring connections from the very depths of the heart. Notably, the exhibition features three pieces created specifically for Hong Kong, where Cameron intentionally sidesteps recognizable landmark buildings. Instead, he directs his focus to the lively details found at the roadside or the stalls, capturing fleeting moments often overlooked due to their over-familiarity in this dynamic metropolis. Choi's figures leap from the canvas, infused with a sense of lost soulfulness; their actions seem a delightful blend of the bizarre and the humorous, rendered with a realism that draws the observer in. Delving into the depths of human psychology, Choi intertwines personal memories with cultural symbols, crafting a narrative that reflects our collective experiences. His art brings to light the quiet moments often drowned out by the cacophony of daily life, prompting reflections on identity and the fragments of ourselves that may be lost in the city's unyielding pace.
What have we lost, and what have we found in the labyrinth of our lives? This poignant question beckons each viewer to embark on a journey of introspection and reconnection with the innermost self that resonates within the heartbeat of city life. As you extend your reach into the world around you, may you also reclaim the abundance of your inner selves, which may have been buried beneath the weight of the everyday chaos.