I Am Actually You & A World of Connection

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The VetiVa Gallery, located within the VetiVa Center for Animal Wellness at K11 Atelier (Victoria Dockside), is proud to host two profoundly evocative exhibitions, "I Am Actually You" and "A World of Connection". Running from July 10th to September 30th, 2025, these exhibitions, curated by Julie Petris of Art Future Club, explore themes of identity, empathy, and the universal bonds that unite humans, animals, and the world we share.

Exhibition 1: "I Am Actually You"

Step into a world where art becomes a mirror, reflecting love, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

Featuring the works of two visionary artists, Ching Lee and May Sum, this exhibition invites

viewers to reflect on the shared threads of humanity, creativity, and connection.

Ching Lee: The Essence of Connection

As visitors enter the exhibition space, they are greeted by the heartfelt works of Ching Lee, a Hong

Kong artist whose creations radiate love, acceptance, and self-reflection. Through her series "I Am

Actually You", Ching Lee uses vibrant colors and textured materials to personify emotions and

spiritual connections, inspiring viewers to embrace their imperfections and explore the beauty of

vulnerability.

• Furry Dreams: The Sheep Spirit, with its innocent and comforting presence, evokes the

tender warmth of childhood. Is this a version of yourself, or who you long to be?

• Panda’s Embrace: The Panda Spirit, calm and endearing, dissolves stress and anxiety. Do

you find yourself in its tranquil presence, or does it represent the serenity you seek?

• Gentle Breeze: The Wind Spirit, ever-changing yet invigorating, symbolizes vitality and the

unpredictable power of nature. Do you, too, carry a quiet mystique that enlivens those

around you?

Accompanying these pieces is Ching Lee’s animated series, displayed on media screens, offering a

moving exploration of identity and love. Together, her works celebrate the human spirit and its

connection to the natural and emotional realms.

May Sum: Stories of Love and Growth

In the adjoining space, visitors encounter the whimsical and thought-provoking works of May Sum,

a renowned multi-media artist and Asia’s first lipstick sculptor. May Sum’s series "Kilikulu" and

"Afternoon Tea with Courage" weave fantasy and reality into narratives of self-love, transformation,

and the pursuit of connection.

• Kilikulu and the Language of Love: Kilikulu, a cosmic traveler, arrives on Earth

enchanted by its creatures but struggles to understand human speech, which she perceives as

endless streams of chatter. Naming herself after these sounds, she dreams of a world where

love transcends words. Through her adaptive and transformative nature, she becomes a

vessel of meaning and connection.

• Afternoon Tea with Courage: In a whimsical tea party hosted by Moon Girl, the Cat

Queen, and the Red Heart Queen, Kilikulu learns the value of self-love and the courage to

dream. Through these works, May Sum reminds viewers that believing in one’s worth is the

foundation for embracing life’s challenges with grace.May Sum’s creations celebrate personal growth and the transformative power of love, inviting

viewers to reflect on their own inner strength and capacity for connection.

Exhibition 2: "A World of Connection" – The Tiny Art Mouse Gallery

On the ground level of the VetiVa Gallery, the Tiny Art Mouse Gallery offers a magical and

inclusive experience designed for both humans and their animal companions. This miniature

exhibition celebrates the joy of art and the shared bonds between species, inviting dogs, cats,

rabbits, birds, and more to join in the experience.

Phoebe R: A Celebration of Pets and Place

Hong Kong artist Phoebe R brings her love for animals to life with over 200 pet portraits and a

series of works inspired by discarded tiles found on Hong Kong beaches. These tiles, transformed

into canvases for local landscapes, connect themes of resilience, community, and the

interdependence of humans, animals, and the environment. Commissioned work is available .

Anonymous: ”Heartstrings": A Tribute to Love and Identity

Building on the themes of Ching Lee’s "I Am Actually You", our anonymous donor present

"Heartstrings", a collection of digital artworks that feature small dolls dressed as their beloved pets.

Each doll, adorned with a heart necklace, mirrors the breed and personality of its companion,

symbolizing the universal love and loyalty shared between humans and animals. Commissioned

work is available.

Phoebe R: Interactive Pathways

The Tiny Art Mouse Gallery draws visitors into a unique interactive experience, where

"Heartstrings", Phoebe R’s pet portraits, and her Hong Kong landscape tiles are connected by tiny

pathways. These pathways highlight the delicate balance between personal relationships,

community, and nature, creating a shared journey of reflection for humans and their animal

companions alike.

JKP: Tiny Narratives of Transformation and Connection

JKP’s intricate works explore themes of resilience and interconnectedness. Her "Spilt Coffee" series

transforms weathered wood, coffee beans, and resin into layered pieces that reflect the beauty of

imperfection. In her "Windows" series, tiny portals crafted from fabric, paint, and crystals invite

viewers to imagine expansive worlds beyond the surface. Both series celebrate the delicate balance

between creation, destruction, and renewal, perfectly aligning with the Tiny Art Mouse Gallery’s

theme of connection.

Curated by Julie Petris: A Vision of Connection

Both exhibitions have been thoughtfully curated by Julie Petris, whose expertise at Art Future Club

brings together diverse artistic voices under the unifying themes of love, identity, and connection.

Julie’s vision ensures that each piece resonates deeply, creating a cohesive and transformative

experience for all visitors.

Ching Lee-

https://www.instagram.com/chingleesart?igsh=dTh2cWU0OTRrM2xx

May Sum-

https://www.instagram.com/maysum234?igsh=NmR0aWMwYnFoODY=

Phoebe R-

https://www.instagram.com/phoeberighteye?igsh=MTFwaXY1dGt2YWR6NQ==