Mirror Mirror
An exhibition by Fung Cheung

Presenting “Mirror Mirror” by Fung Cheung, a solo exhibition at Nepenthes New York. This exhibition invites viewers to gaze into the mirror and envision the potential within them, which is rooted in our shared collective consciousness. With that in mind we’d like to ask you some questions about your process.

Q: What first drew you to working with mirrors?

I was drawn by the mirror's reflection. The reflection creates this dynamic ever-changing surface of the environment it's in. To me, spirituality is ever-present. It's like an invisible layer in this world and I tried to visualize it through my art. So painting on mirrors became a way for me to directly bring the invisible spiritual layer into the visible world.

Q: How do you choose the mirrors you work with?

I didn't choose the mirrors. In New York City, people throw away perfectly good things all the time. I've found floor lamps, desks, chairs, and all kinds of furniture in the past. When I decided to paint on mirrors, I asked all my friends to keep an eye out for discarded mirrors they came across for me. They would send me photos of the mirror they found and tell me the location. And I will go check when I get a chance. If I'm lucky, the mirror is still there and in good condition. If I'm unlucky, the mirror is already gone or broken. It's really up to chance. In a way, the universe chose the mirrors for me.

Q: What draws you to these spiritual or mystical figures that appear in your work?

It all started from a spiritual experience I had at the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico. I guess you can call it a spiritual awakening. Prior to that experience, I was just drawing swirls aimlessly. After that, spirituality added a sense of depth, purpose, and intention into my work. I started paying more attention to my dreams, visions, and experiences in life. And translating them into my art.

Q: What feels important to you about inviting people to “see for themselves”?

That's the ultimate goal of this show for me. I shared my experience and my visions with others through the different pieces. The last piece, See for Yourself was intentionally left empty for people to envision their own experience.

Q: Is there something in this work that can only be understood through experience?

Absolutely, but I think that for all my work. My favorite question to ask people about my work is 'how does it make you feel?' I want to know if it resonates with them in any way. And usually, my work resonates with people who had their own spiritual experience before. They can understand the work on a deeper level and relate to it personally, because it transcends words and pictures. When they see my work, they are reminded of their own experience. For people who haven't, they might feel the pull or the mystery behind the work.

I believe spirituality is rooted in a universal collective consciousness, so it's relatable to everyone. That's why we see similar motifs, symbols, and stories across different cultures and religions throughout history. My work serves as a beacon to affirm their experience, reinforce their spirituality and connect.

Q: When people gaze into the mirror, what kind of awakening do you hope they experience?

I think spirituality is neglected by a lot of people today. We are too focused on the material side of life and too caught up in the hustle, especially in New York City. We forget or put aside the spiritual side of life. I want to create a moment for people to slow down, ponder, and see beyond the physical. I want people to remember their own visions.