Andrew Hem : Epitome

Andrew Hem previously exhibited at Galerie Chenus Longhi (then Openspace) in 2019. Fragmentz unfolded from room to room like a travel diary of paintings on canvas, wood and paper.
With Epitome, his second Paris exhibition with Galerie Chenus Longhi opening in October 2023, Andrew Hem continues to explore the poetic tension between the real and the imaginary, cha- racteristic of his work with a balance between natural and urban landscapes, inhabited by often enigmatic characters, drawing inspiration from his cultural heritage. This dimension has become all the more important as Andrew Hem is now the father of two children. The question of transmission becomes central. The title of the exhibition, Epitome, speaks to us of the idea of a model to follow, adorned with his attributes and qualities, and thus refers to the example he wishes to set his children as a father and as an artist.

“I just had my second baby one week ago. Being a parent has changed my work in many ways. I grew up in an area where I was one of the only Asians attending. And because if this I was bullied constantly. Being a parent now one of the major things we looked for when moving was diversity. I didn’t want my kids to experience the Racism I had to deal with growing up. And the only thing I can do is to paint role models they can relate to. I am not a director who can cast Asian actors in a movie. The closet thing that I can do is showcase diversity and characters who look like my kids so they will always feel like they belong.”