NAPP studio + MIRO reflect the gender-fluid-themed exhibition using indistinct colors and hazy lighting

multi-disciplinary firm NAPP studio, in collaboration with MIRO studio, were commissioned to design the ‘ambiguously yours’ exhibition space in hong kong. the exhibit reflects on hong kong’s popular culture through representations of androgyny and gender fluidity in cantopop, fashion, film, photography, and graphic design. over ninety works were displayed in almost every possible kind of media including roman tam’s iconic peacock costume, a film clip from wong kar-wai’s chungking express, city magazine covers, and works by world-renowned photographers. the realized built outcome is a joint project between MIRO, whose involvement includes the concept design and initial layout, and NAPP studio, responsible for the schematic and executive design.

the translucent walls at the entrance create an ambiguous atmosphere, reflecting the theme of the exhibition: gender-fluidity 

NAPP studio‘s main challenge was to devise an exhibition structure and framework that highlights the different zones, while maintaining the continuity of the exhibition’s flow. the diverse form of representations also poses an interesting question on how to generate a holistic exhibition design that accommodates the various forms of displaying artwork in order to trigger an interesting dialogue between the exhibits and the audience. the generic layout of museums and galleries tend to be white, while that of contemporary performances for concerts, dance or theater is black. both intend on avoiding the exhibition environment from competing against the objects or persons on display.

the mosaic walls and glass structures display the various artworks

the ‘ambiguously yours’ exhibition space predominantly uses gray with layers of translucent materials in order to create an ambiguity between the black and white, which implicitly ties into the questions of dichotomy in the normative display setting of contemporary art forms. the gray backdrop becomes a canvas for the lighting design to achieve a theatrical quality of being on stage which echoes the content of certain exhibits like concert costumes and images of different performances. all of the displays are devised in a way to create the minimal visual impact while responding to the different ways of interaction with the audience.

the displays are devised in a way to create the minimal visual impact while responding to the different ways of interaction with the audience

over ninety works are displayed in almost every possible kind of media

the poster corner and magazine wall

the vinyl display uses transparent shelves as to not disrupt the exhibition experience

the vinyl tower uses bent acrylic sheets to sandwich the record covers together

the video display corner projects a film clip from wong kar-wai’s chungking express

nebulous light forms illuminate the floor, generating a sense of wonder

project info:

executive design: napp studio
design team: tsang aron wai chun, ho wesley hung lai
curator: wkcda m+
curatorial team: tina pang, chloe chow, janis law, chow yiu fai, ng chun hung
exhibition design: miro
lighting design: spectrum
contractor: rocz
photographer: jeffrey lam
status: completed
date: mar 2017

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynn chaya | designboom