JOHN MCARTHUR

SPACE 1

Exhibition dates : 14 - 26 July 2026
Opening reception : Wed 15 July 2026, 6:00 - 8:30pm

UNSEEN

Every face tells a story, but the masks we wear tell a much bigger one. Since moving from Australia to Hong Kong in 1999, I have been deeply fascinated by what we show the world versus what we hide. "Unseen" depicts this theatre of identity. The vibrant red cheeks, bold lips, and arched eyebrows of Cantonese Opera inspire it. To capture this theme, I blend Western drawing traditions with Hong Kong's lively local culture. As an artist and calligrapher, I build layered narratives on canvas by fusing torn street advertisements, ink drawings, and paintings into a single image. Ultimately, "Unseen" asks a simple question: what face is hidden and what face is shown? I invite you to look past the heavy painted makeup and discover the quiet truths buried deep beneath the surface.

John McArthur is a contemporary Australian artist based in Hong Kong whose practice explores the relationship between place, memory, and personal experience. Through a thoughtful and expressive visual language, his work reflects a deep engagement with landscape, observation, and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from both natural and lived environments, McArthur creates works that invite reflection and connection, contributing to the ongoing dialogue of contemporary Australian art.

CATALOGUE