Exhibition · 3812 Gallery · Hong Kong
3812 Gallery Hong Kong is delighted to present “Tranquil State: Eric Lai Wai Lam Solo Exhibition”. This solo exhibition is the culmination of three years of preparation, and the artist's works across multiple series, different media, and various scales will be presented — offering viewers a quiet space where they can pause, slow down and breathe. “Tranquil State: Eric Lai Wai Lam Solo Exhibition” opens from 28 August to 23 October 2026, with an Opening Reception held on 27 August at 6 – 8pm. This exhibition is titled “Tranquil State”, carrying two interconnected core meanings. The first refers to the quiet state and inner order required during Gongbi creation. The second plays on the homophone in Chinese "secret language" – a way of communicating that is hidden, private, gentle and inclusive. 11:11 and 22:22 are two major works inspired by two Cantonese songs: Joey Yung’s Yellow Door (黃色大門) and Denise Ho’s Red Roof (紅屋頂), both with lyrics by Wyman Wong. The lyrics describe the protagonist building an inner castle through whimsical fantasies while feeling lonely and misunderstood by the world. This deeply resonated with Lai. Thus, Lai re-woven the symbols from the lyrics (such as fawns, rockets, descending angels) with fragments of memories from his personal experiences. This is deeply emotional, but they does not want it to be seen at a glance, forming a code and transforming the pieces into "songs that can be seen." Furthermore, in this batch of new works, compared to Lai’s earlier works, he has introduced more decorative geometric elements — the floor tiles in 22:22, the patterned fabric and the windows afar in The Temporary Guest l. This shift responds to the Gongbi technique’s demand for finesse and refined beauty; on the other hand, these decorative elements are no longer simple backdrops. They form life scenes rich in narrative depth, carrying emotions and suspending time, creating a space for both the artist and the viewer to dwell and transition—a place…