LONDON.- Pangolin London announced the debut exhibition of Hannah Lim, the latest artist in residence. The Enchanted Orchid will unveil a series of Lim’s enchanted creations, crafted from Jesmonite & polymer clay, alongside a new departure working in bronze.

‘While I was intrigued by the exuberant, ornamental and fantastical nature of Chinoiserie I was also aware of its colonial history and its similarities to cultural appropriation. I wanted to reimagine Chinoiserie in a more appropriate way.’

Hannah Lim’s work is deeply rooted in her mixed Singaporean and British heritage, a fusion that infuses her work with a unique perspective on the dialogue between East and West. Inspired by the ornate and fantastical nature of Chinoiserie, she has embarked on a quest to explore the complexities of Orientalism and reclaim this cultural dialogue in a more respectful and inclusive manner.

Lim’s work features captivating creature-like arms and legs, as seen in Box of Beasts, reminiscent of mythological Chinese creatures, imbuing her works with a playful and peculiar quality. These personified elements add an enchanting dimension to her art, inviting viewers to delve into a world where imagination intertwines with cultural heritage. From entrancing snuff bottles to the majestic new bronze Orchid Table, Lim’s pieces exude a playful charm while carrying profound messages about identity, culture, and belonging.

Described as anthropomorphic and functional, Lim’s sculptures blur the lines between art and utility, exploring the intersections of form and function. Her transition into bronze work adds a new dimension to her practice, offering a glimpse into the evolution of her creative process. Her residency, supported by the PJLF Arts Fund, has enabled her to explore this new material and culminated in the creation of her most significant piece in the exhibition, Orchid Table.

‘I wanted to create this table-like structure, inspired by my previous sculptures in wood, that reimagine the Chinoiserie aesthetic. The table is designed and built around this central hanging orchid. There is an interesting contrast between the very ornate and delicate elements of the work with the heavy metal chains and balls, that hang from the edges of the table and suspend the orchid from the two upper ‘arms’ of the table top. I like this idea of the Orchid Table looking somewhat enchanted and magical, it pulls together motifs and imagery from many different aspects of my research from the past five years and utilises many different sculptural processes within my practice. This includes sculpting the orchid for casting in polymer clay as well as using my laser cutting files to create the table structure in stainless steel.’

Through her collaboration with Pangolin Editions, Hannah Lim has maintained her broad approach to colour - a defining characteristic of her style. In her work Lim employs a diverse range of tones, ranging from soft pastels to deep, rich shades. This vibrant palette reflects her embrace of cultural symbolism, weaving hidden narratives into each hue. Despite the transition in material, colour remains a central feature in her work.

‘I think what’s most exciting is exploring the possibilities for painting or patinating these bronze Snuff Bottles. I love the textured colour you can get from patination and I think it will provide an interesting contrast from the smooth and sometimes glossy surface of my clay Snuff Bottles. I’m also excited to be using silver to cast the inner the charm detail inside my new bronze Snuff Bottles. I think it will help create the perfect surprise - a little piece of shiny treasure hidden inside these intricate patinated vessels.’

Influenced by artists such as Tai Shani, Mariko Mori, Xadie Xa, and Dominique Fung, Lim’s work is a testament to the power of artistic exploration and cultural exchange. The exhibition’s whimsical allure and thought-provoking narratives invites the viewer on a journey of discovery and reflection.

After completing her undergraduate degree in BA Sculpture at the University of Edinburgh, Hannah Lim continued to study an MFA in Fine Art at the Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford. Lim has previously received the Bloomberg New Contemporaries award (2021) as well as a commission by the Tate for Women’s History Month (2022). Her work has been exhibited by the Royal Scottish Academy, Christies, and Commonage Projects.

Hannah Lim is the last sculptor in residence of the series from the Pangolin London Sculpture Residency programme, generously supported by the PJLF Arts Fund.