The project title, Materia Prima (first material) is drawn from ancient Chinese painting principle “from material (nature) to shape” that sees materiality as a significant factor in the formation of a picture. Based on this idea, unique qualities and characteristics of similarity between the two cities of Hong Kong and Melbourne and their respective cultures provide the reference points for the work in the exhibition. Materia Prima is a two-part project where Hong Kong artists visit Melbourne and Melbourne artists visit Hong Kong. The artists from both countries are asked to negotiate the cultural and geographical contexts to produce their work on site in the respective gallery spaces. Catalogue includes artist statements about their works.