Tang Contemporary Art is thrilled to present In Stranger Lands: Cocoa’s Journeys to Asia, an innovative touring exhibition that delves into the
rich and intricate narratives surrounding chocolate and cocoa in Asia. Featuring artworks by 20 artists practising throughout the Asian region,
and through a diverse array of expressions, this exhibition illuminates the journey of cocoa from its exotic origins to its current place in Asian
society, uncovering both its allure and the pressing issues that accompany its production. Following its debut in Vietnam and Hong Kong, this
exhibition will also be showcased in Indonesia and Philippines.

For many of us, the taste of chocolate evokes childhood memories, sweetness, and the warmth of family. In Asia, chocolates were often brought
back from visits to faraway countries and received as gifts with excitement and pleasure. Today, chocolate is no longer considered an “exotic”
luxury item. In addition to Western brands, many Asian countries have developed their own chocolate industries, incorporating flavors and
ingredients that resonate with Asian palates. However, what lies behind the chocolate bars that we see daily on supermarket shelves remains,
for many, unknown territory.

Is cocoa produced in Asia? Why has chocolate been absent for so long from the Asian culinary landscape, and can local producers meet today’s
growing demand? Who are the farmers cultivating cocoa in the region, and what are the challenges they face when asked to scale up production
in a sustainable way? And how do we make chocolate?

Each artist has delved into various fields of research, including the sculptural shape of the cocoa pods, their ritualistic uses and the trade routes
they have traversed. Viewers are invited to move freely between the artworks, as these fields of inquiry overlap and complement each other.
The specific characteristics of cocoa beans, their growing conditions, and the related colonial histories have not only influenced trade and modes
of exchange, but have also shaped local environments and cultures. The long and complex process of transforming cocoa beans into chocolate is
also a significant factor. The featured artworks reflect this interconnectedness, pointing to the continuous metamorphosis of cocoa, both in a
literal and a metaphorical sense. In the porous landscapes they described, humans, technology, insects, rain, time, and even humus are
interdependent.

Originally a drink for the gods, cocoa continues to be a source of dreams and marvels. It also represents an important crop and, as such, its
culture and commodification exemplify the current ecological challenges and trade inequalities faced by any raw good mostly produced in the
Global South. Ultimately, the featured artworks not only push the frontier of artistic expression but also question the extent to which art can
contribute to dialogues on current social issues.