Empty Set: A New Space for Climate Dialogue

Description

Thai-born artist Pratchaya Phinthong is debuting in Hong Kong at Para Site with Empty Set, an exhibition centred on the mathematical symbol (∅) — an absence with defined boundaries yet containing no elements — to encourage ideas and discussions outside of rigid knowledge structures.

It brings together cultural workers, scientists and cross-disciplinary collaborators to pose questions and share reflections on the futures shaped by the climate emergency. One such work is “CH4*5.75H2O on Fire (Work in Progress) (#1)”, a 16mm film with a celluloid loop that spans both the interior and exterior spaces of Para Site. The artist utilises 5.75H2O, or methane hydrate — commonly known as “fire ice” — which is considered a potential future source of fossil fuel. By capturing the burning of ice until it exhausts its energy, Phinthong’s work not only presents the poetic image of burning ice but also examines its role in unfolding geopolitical tensions shaping the region.

Curated by Billy Tang, the exhibition is set to catalyse a larger project that will unfold during the autumn. Two guided tours of the exhibition will be held: one on 20 October at 18:00 in English and another on 23 November at 14:00 in Cantonese. No reservation is required.