a translation service™ | Hongzhe Liang & Matthew Bell

Hongzhe Liang and Matthew Bell were born on opposite sides of the earth. Their ideas are formed through completely different surroundings, and as a result have found many gaps in communication. However, through conversation and patient contemplation they are usually capable of arriving at some form of understanding.

A Translation Service™ is an exhibition which explores that conversation between Hongzhe and Matthew. With language as a divisive opponent, the artists resort to cultural relics, historical events, and folklore of their upbringings to bring a fuller understanding of each others’ culture. In part, the common ground between the artists is the impending shift in their senses of home: while Hongzhe is making the decision to live and work in Seattle, Matthew is preparing to explore the world.