“Memory and history intermingle and coexist, like the speaker and the scribe in a dictation.”

Pierre Nora, “Les Lieux de Mémoire”

Commonly understood and accepted as “history,” the past has traditionally been associated with the official narratives of nations, often serving as a mainstream discourse that obscures dissenting voices. Thanks to modern media technology, the complexity of collective memory has allowed for the emergence of individual histories, once marginalized, to become a significant contemporary phenomenon. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on verifying the existence of events, this new perspective emphasizes “places of memory” that are practical, direct, and personally relevant. Through this lens, forgotten symbols in hidden corners are revived and transformed into a continuing history.

In the dual exhibition “Whispers of History,” the artists explore history and memory, presenting their unique perspectives. Their works do not merely reconstruct or represent history but attempt to sketch the establishment and transmission of memory through their imagery. Born after the 1980s, Peng Si and Lo Chan Peng have been celebrated for their exceptional paintings since their student days. Both experienced the political liberalization and lifting of martial law during their upbringing, which reflects in their concerns about national identity and consciousness. As their circumstances evolved, their recent works have become more mature and introspective, quietly profound despite their subtlety.

Renowned for their masterful realism, both artists exhibit distinct styles. Peng Si inherits the refined tradition of Chinese literati, capturing ancient and modern elements in his works like snapshots of a torrential flow. His landscapes, often desolate and forgotten, blend the grandeur of the frontier with the tranquility of pastoral scenes, pursuing the unpretentious nature of the pre-Qin, Wei, and Jin eras, and the introspective depth of Yuan, Ming, and Qing literati. His works, praised for their “Westernized China” and “modernized tradition,” are rich in life’s contemplation and historical insight, characterized by their powerful and distinctive style.

Lo Chan Peng, who has been invited to numerous international exhibitions recently, focuses primarily on portraits. His artistic journey has shifted from generational to historical themes, emphasizing anonymous subjects altered by history. His works highlight personal identity, religious faith, and cultural spirit, exploring themes like time, life, death, and the real versus the illusory. With his exceptional technique, he fuses paint and medium into the markings of time, exploring the multifaceted possibilities of oil painting. This creates a unique perspective on history, memory, and insight, contributing to his distinctive style.

Through their creations, the two artists vividly present “places of memory,” revealing the nuanced voices of individuals and their contexts. These whispering histories, intertwined with themes of existence and transience, momentary and eternal, bring forth seemingly insignificant details and hidden gaps, establishing a resonant imagery that compels viewers to confront and feel deeply.