The Anatomy of Unconditionality Exhibition
Presented by Le Mandorle, documented in Seoul, South Korea, 2023. Pop up Exhibition at Soho House Hong Kong
Listen to our Audio Guide:
1 Overarching Concept
In collaboration with artist Di Jingxian and florist Village Lane, the exhibition explores the concept of unconditionality, where love is intrinsic to our human nature like beauty is intrinsic to our natural world.
"Anatomy" refers to Le Mandorle’s Martian Bloom collection which explores the interconnectedness of the organic design within floral structures, while
"Unconditionality" represents the photography direction of the campaign which celebrates the boundless love that transcends all barriers and expectations.
We want to invite viewers to dissect the notion of unconditionality, reflect on our interconnectedness with one another, and redefine the love we can have towards ourselves, others and the world.
2 The Anatomy of Unconditionality
28 digital prints in wooden frames (42.0 x 59.4 cm),
600 x 130 cm
Documented in Seoul, South Korea
The key installation of the exhibition is a series of photography and frames that features side portraits of 28 models wearing our Martian Bloom ear cuffs and a replica made from real flowers that was sprayed with silver. The intention behind the wearables is to raise a question about our ability to identify real from fake, what even constitutes realness, and whether fake always lends to bad.
The frames are installed sideways, mirrored against the neighbouring portrait. The dimensional display invites viewers to engage with the installation from different angles, and emphasises the interconnectedness of all things and beings – the central concept behind the Martian Bloom collection.
3 Musical Chairs
28 vintage chairs on draped red threads
400 x 400 cm
The 28 unique vintage chairs representing the 28 photography subjects, are arranged in a circular pattern reminiscent of the childhood game of musical chairs. Each chair embodies a unique story and history, just like how each model has traveled through different lengths of time, places and experiences. Although all separate entities, they are weaved together at present to add depth, meaning and beauty to this particular moment.
To echo Le Mandorle’s signature Waterfall Box collection, a drape installation is created to accompany the musical chairs, reimagined with red threads that form a red carpet-like waterfall, to emphasise the celebration of individual uniqueness of our models and our audience, and the interconnectedness between us.
We encourage you to sit within the circle, as if empathetically stepping into the shoes of the models, and feel more connected to the exhibition.
4 Sci-fi Biophilia
Fresh plants and flowers, 28 rearview mirrors, cables and metal pipes on white sand
90 x 200 cm
Curated and assembled by Kenneth Tang @ Village Lane, Hong Kong
Created by Village Lane, the biophilic installation is composed of unique flowers and plants, carefully sourced and arranged into an alien-esque natural sculpture conflicted by 28 rearview mirrors seemingly growing out of it to present a depiction of the current reality of our world.
A convergence of charm and destruct, natural and synthetic, organic and industrial, the installation invites us to find beauty in the unexpected, while reflecting upon our instinctual responses to external encounters that are often constructed by our own internal judgments.
5 Profusion Table
Glass Pane on stacked burlap bags and wooden table
280 x 80 x 100 cm
A statement to our brand’s commitment to sustainability, the disheveled stack of ordinary construction tool is adorned by soil and greenery, like an abandoned future city where nature has taken over. It is a reminder of our co-existence with the natural world that came before us, and that with conscious and collective care, the planet can be regenerated into a healthy state.
Alongside the creative display of our eco-forward wearable sculptures, customers who purchase any item can personalise our signature reusable bag with stamps designed exclusively for this exhibition. Through art, we want to inspire everyone to make progressively better everyday choices.
6 Photo booth
The photo booth allows guests to take portrait photos in the same style and side profiles as the campaign, joining the journey and becoming a part of it, just like the models in the photo series.
The Anatomy of Unconditionality, where love is intrinsic to our human nature like beauty is intrinsic to our natural world.
