“Nature is not at our service, it exists very well without us.” —Cédric Sapin-Defour

Hong Kong artist Lokz Phoenix, currently based in Paris, is a rising star in the contemporary art scene and set to unveil her new solo exhibition alongside a specially curated installation at our gallery space in Paris. Her mesmerising series of enchanting forest paintings featuring a curious dog gracefully journeying through will transport viewers to a utopian world where they can reconnect with their inner selves and indulge in quiet introspection.

Lokz’s use of wondrous colours suggests a departure from reality and the entering into a realm of imagination and symbolism. The fantastical hues enhance the otherworldly nature of this setting, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue that invites contemplation on the nature of our existence. Whilst the adventuresome dog serves as a metaphor for all natural beings who find contentment and pleasure in ways that are free from human influence. Portrayed as small and seemingly lost in a vast space, it evokes a sense of isolation and introspection that prompts viewers to question the impact of human interference on nature whilst offering them a moment of solitude that is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced society.

In addition to conveying the beauty of the natural world and human experience, a more profound implication lies beneath the surface of these enchanting forests. Lokz intentionally kept her paintings devoid of human presence to spark conversations about our relationship with animals and the potential unnaturalness of our actions, such as having them as pets. In the basement of the gallery is a replica of Lokz’s room, the place where she shared her most precious moments with her dog. His bowl, his leash, and his toys are transformed into handmade ceramics whilst the hairs he once left on her clothes and the memories they shared are forever immortalised into timeless paintings.

Lokz’s exquisite brushstrokes and attention to detail masterfully captures the essence of solitude in a romanticised lens like no other. The various landscapes found in her paintings also hold great emotional value and treasured memories as it was inspired by the photographs she took during her hikes in France and Asia. This exhibition provides viewers with a safe space to contemplate upon the multi-faceted and long-standing prejudices humans have towards other living beings that are often overlooked in the vastness of the world.