Jun Ong, “Halo,” at Xiu De Bai Pavilion, Yan Shui, Tainan, Taiwan

“Halo” by Jun Ong, curated by Yue Jin Art Museum, at Xiu De Bai Pavilion, Yan Shui, Tainan, Taiwan, 14.12.2024－16.02.2025.

Exhibition Text:
Light in Buddhism is an important metaphor for enlightenment – the awakening or the understanding of truth. Buddha alongside many sacred figures in other religions are often depicted with various forms of halo – surrounding the head or body. In this work, the artist imagined the starburst form of a halo – revealing both the intricacy of the pavilion and its relationship with the neighbourhood. Like a gap in time, the installation comes to life through rays of light. The dynamic yet pure streaks of light emanates an intangible aura while revealing a portal – allowing viewers a peek into the past. The deconstructed nature of the artwork allows for intimate illumination around each of the light tubes, revealing unseen and often forgotten elements. The hyper site-specific work is inspired by its host building – the Xiu De Bai Pavilion (修德拜亭), a former Buddhist temple in the historic town of Yan Shui, Tainan. Built in 1919, the temple has history tracing back to the Qing dynasty and was pivotal in supporting the community.