I've always believed that art has the power to heal and transform our daily lives. And this year, Art Week Shenzhen proved just that. As I stepped into the vibrant pulse of the city, for me, the invitation was clear: escape the daily routines and get recharged through art.
This week, from March 24-30, Shenzhen is turning into one massive art space, buzzing with nearly 80 exhibitions and over 30 events scattered across the city. Among all these incredible activities, one exhibition struck a particularly deep chord with my Moroccan friend: Behind the Blue by Hong Kong artist Jaffa Lam.
We were immediately intrigued by the exhibition's title. I've always associated blue with sadness. But when I met Jaffa Lam and asked why she chose to translate 窗后 as Behind the Blue, she smiled and said, "Actually, you thought blue was sad, but I'm asking you to think about what is behind the blue." For her, it's about the hidden energy that propels us forward, the untold stories behind each brushstroke.
Walking through the gallery, I felt as if every piece was a window into Lam's life—a diary spanning over two decades. She shared that she had been leading a wandering life since she was 12, transforming her experiences into a creative force that now fuels her art. One moment that truly resonated with me was when Lam confessed, "I never gamble with money—I always gamble with life". She saw herself as a parachute, not knowing where to land for the next stop. It reminded me that life isn't about rigid plans; maybe it's about embracing the unknown. Through her artworks, Jaffa tells me to trust every experience, and they will eventually lead to healing and clarity.
Art Week Shenzhen isn't merely an event; it's a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect with both the world around us and our inner selves. So if you're looking for inspiration, if you want to engage in meaningful dialogue with artists, and perhaps even with your own inner self, come and explore it.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
Poster: Li Fangwang
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
