Artist Talk: The Golden Lotus Shoe by Anthony Van Lam

This exhibition and artist talk explore the complex relationship between beauty and perfection.

Anthony Van Lam Solo Exhibition. 'The Golden Lotus Shoe'.

This exhibition was an associated event during the City of Sydney's Sydney Lunar Festival 2021

About the exhibition

History shows us people will do anything in the pursuit of 'beauty' as many of us aspire to achieve 'perfection'. But are we our own worst enemy – standing in our own way of achieving perfection?

Or, do we have a twisted view of what beauty and perfection really are? What is beauty anyway? What is perfection?

In a world not too far away, the humble shoe is underpinned with layers of meaning and memories. For centuries, shoes were used to shape a society's ideal of beauty and perfection.

Can a pair of three-inch shoes that encased not only feet – but thousands of years of trapped memories – be beautiful? Or are they torture? Did those wearing shoes so seemingly beautiful on the outside actually achieve perfection?

“I like my paintings to act as a catalyst for the observer to think and reflect. To act as a reminder that everyone is beautiful in their own way. We don’t have to try too hard to meet people’s or society’s expectations or to get accepted. We should accept our own beauty as we are all unique.

"If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the person who is observing gets to decide what is beautiful.

"Beauty doesn't exist on its own but is created by us, the observer. I don’t want people to put themselves through this torture and allows others to push them into becoming something they're not. History shows us one thousand years of abuse and torture should teach us that cherish and learn from the past to make better choices.

"It’s a very personal exhibition for me because I know that everyone goes through living with self-doubt; we're driven to better ourselves. There is pressure from a society where people often say

‘Be humble and be aware that there will always be someone better than you. You’ll never be what people want you to be.'

Please note:

Due to limited numbers please only book your ticket if you are coming to the event. If you're unable to attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite so someone on the waitlist may be notified and come along instead. We'll also be notifying guests of any special requirements or conditions closer to the time should any circumstances change.