Sung Tieu's 'What is your |x|?' at Emalin explores self-deception through prison doors and astrological charts

Sung Tieu's exhibition titled 'What is your |x|?' at Emalin in London showcases a deceptive space adorned with soft carpeting and bright fluorescent lights. Central to the installation is a steel wheel weighing over half a tonne, surrounded by eight prison doors that encase a mirror etched with Tieu's astrological birth chart. This setup evokes feelings of confinement while also exuding a sense of playfulness. The peepholes on the doors feature text, crafted with the assistance of an astrologer, including phrases such as 'Your motto is "only those who perform deserve love."' This work relates to Tieu's 2020 series 'Exposure to Havana Syndrome.' The exhibition was open from September 19 to November 7, delving into the themes of self-identity and the yearning for total acknowledgment as a form of entrapment.