SinArts Gallery is excited to present the first solo exhibition of Serene Hui at the gallery in Den Haag. Inspired by the complex times we live in, we have created a presentation reflecting on life in restriction and solitude, either chosen or not.

For some time Serene Hui (b. Hong Kong) has been following the story of the missing booksellers of Causeway Bay Books in Hong Kong. For that, she began searching for a book of poetry collected from prison, written by Chinese-Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai.

A Swedish publisher had released a collection of poetry written by the jailed co-founder of the bookstore, whose poems have been ‘smuggled’ out of China where he is currently incarcerated.

Disguised with a single Swedish title Jag ritar en dörr på väggen med fingret, the 11 poems each come in both Chinese and Swedish languages. ­They focus on the author’s vision of Sweden, covering Norse myths, Swedish people, and traditions as well as his reflections on life in prison.

­The search remained in vain until a friend brought this book directly from Sweden. Hence discussions around the reading of the poems, their attestation of the protagonist’s indicents and the corresponding political impact on both countries has ignited her lengthy journey of translating all the poems. In the process, various presentations have been made to touch on the nuances that this book has to offer, the politics and poetics of poetry, the negotiating power of translation, information circulation and distribution, and so on

The presentation at SinArts will include the 22 press-ready lithographic limestones Serene Hui prepared for her graduation presentation at the Royal Academy of Art The Hague, as well as unique prints and embossings of the texts and translations of the 11 poems by Gui Minhai.

This exhibition is generously supported by STROOM Den Haag.