Alcova Project Space is a new entity within Alcova. In this "exhibition within an exhibition,” we collect things that intrigue us – projects that capture our imagination or that touch us deeply in some way. Here we give space to our curatorial instincts to piece together an image of what most resonates with us on the contemporary design scene, emerging or otherwise.

What do these pieces have in common? In some cases, it is a question of aesthetic language; in others, it is a certain resonance with the spirit of our times. For this first episode, we chose to investigate three thematic strands, each touching on distinct aspects of the present.

Hannah Lim's fascination with snuff bottles, discovered in the Chinese Collection at the V&A during childhood, inspired a series of sculptures. These personal objects, symbolizing the artist's Chinese and British heritage, were intricate and functional, fitting in one's hand. The artist's larger snuff bottle-like works deviate from tradition, featuring anthropomorphic elements and excluding snuff. Initially documenting heritage, the sculptures now reflect various research points. Recently, the artist explores the ornamental and animate nature of the objects, drawing inspiration from Classical Chinese texts and merging creatures and narratives to create sculptural storytelling.