Inside Inkgo Lam's Bamboo Art Exhibit at Oi! Warehouse: A Fusion of Culture, Connection, and Creativity

In her first solo exhibition, Organs, Inkgo Lam transforms the century-old Oi! Warehouse into a living, breathing entity. Drawing inspiration from the building's symmetry, she likens it to the five major organs according to traditional Chinese medicine, blending architecture, art, and life in a mesmerizing narrative.

This vision is rooted in her deep respect for heritage—cultivated through her apprenticeship in 2020 under Master Lui Ming, one of Hong Kong's last traditional bamboo craftsmen. By merging this endangered craft with contemporary art, Lam breathes new life into an ancient practice, ensuring its resonance in modern culture while celebrating its timeless significance.

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos provided by: Inkgo Lam

The Oi! Warehouse itself shaped her creations. Through a two-month residency, Lam developed site-specific bamboo installations, merging the venue's unique characteristics with her artistic vision. Each piece, crafted from black bamboo grown onsite, embodies sustainability and harmony between nature and art. Through her art, Inkgo Lam invites us not just to look, but to feel—reminding us that tradition and modernity, connection and solitude, can coexist in harmony.

Interactive installations invite audiences to participate. From creating paper airplanes that evolve into part of the exhibit to exploring kinetic sculptures, Lam's art engages people of all ages. These moments, Lam believes, spark community and shared connections, much like the name cards in her exhibit, which are transformed into butterflies symbolizing fleeting yet impactful human relationships.

Her works honor Chinese culture, incorporating concepts from traditional medicine, such as the vital functions of the five major organs, reimagined through art. This philosophical depth connects visitors not just to her art but to a deeper understanding of the body, culture, and life.

Lam's pieces also bridge tradition and modernity, preserving bamboo craft techniques taught by her 95-year-old master while reinterpreting them through contemporary art. She reflects on cultural perceptions, challenging the assumption that beautiful Asian aesthetics must resemble Japanese or Korean influences, instead celebrating Chinese heritage in her own unique style.

Visit Inkgo Lam's exhibit at Oi! Warehouse now through February and experience art that moves you—literally and figuratively. Learn more here.