Between Times by Yam Shalev: Wan Chai

WOAW Gallery is pleased to present “Between Times”, a solo exhibition by artist Yam Shalev. This exhibition embarks on a profound exploration of ephemeral moments, showcasing a collection of meticulously constructed paintings that depict the most intimate yet universal scenes through Shalev’s lens. The exhibition will be on view from 18 February to 17 March 2025, which also celebrates his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong.

Time is elusive; it slips by too quickly for anyone to catch. In “Between Times”, Shalev’s works freeze time as he frames these fleeting instances on canvas. Often vanishing before we truly notice them, some moments stand out as the highlights in life. Shalev invites the viewers to embark on an intimate journey through closely observing these intense, condensed and universal daily fragments. 

Consider the simple act of sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack or catching the golden hour light as it spreads across the room unexpectedly. Moments of drifting to sleep that we are able to leave behind the thoughts and remnants of the day. In in the morning, a gentle breeze brushes your face just before dawn with warm glow and the smell of coffee from the kitchen. These little yet significant moments are all woven into this exploration.

Rooted in an investigation of color, composition, and ambiance, Shalev constructs each painting with care, bit by bit, object by object, revealing the intimacy, serenity, luxury, light, and vulnerability inherent in our quotidian scenes. These moments may be mere fragments of our lives, yet they are opportunities we might truly recognize and appreciate if only we could pause, freeze them for a second, and contemplate.