OPUS Serial System
The OPUS Serial System is a structured cataloguing method developed to document the photographic works of Holly Lee and Lee Ka-sing. Drawing inspiration from the opus numbering system traditionally used by composers, it assigns a unique identifier to each series or coherent group of works. Unlike the musical precedent, which typically follows the date of publication, the OPUS Serial System is organized by the year of creation—reflecting the artistic processes specific to photography and photo-based works.
The system uses a hierarchical format. A primary OPUS number is assigned to each major series (e.g., Op.15 for Holly’s Hollian Thesaurus), while a secondary identifier distinguishes individual works within the series (e.g., Op.15.1 to Op.15.20) or denotes subcategories by year (e.g., Op.39.2014, Op.39.2015 for Ka-sing’s Diptych series). This structure provides both clarity and flexibility, accommodating the distinct creative trajectories of the two artists while maintaining an integrated framework.
Each artist, however, maintains an independent serial system for their work. For example, Op.15 refers to Hollian Thesaurus in Holly’s archive, while the same number denotes Ka-sing’s Hong Kong Journal series in his.
The OPUS Serial System is designed to foster clear recognition and reference. When a particular OPUS number is mentioned—such as Op.1 or Op.15—it directly signifies the corresponding body of work. It serves as a practical and enduring tool for scholarly research, archival development, and curatorial use.
The OPUS Directory
The OPUS Directory is a reference publication designed to accompany and support the OPUS Serial System. Serving as a navigation tool, it provides a comprehensive overview of the catalogued works of Holly Lee and Lee Ka-sing, with a clear structure that enhances access and understanding.
The directory is divided into two main sections. The first is a full listing of all photographic series and their assigned OPUS numbers, functioning as a foundational guide to the serial system. The second section, titled Extended Navigation for the OPUS Serial System, offers contextual information including references, publication records, work details, and selected image descriptions. This section is designed to be updated periodically to reflect new research and archival additions.
Two versions of the directory have been produced:
The Holly Lee OPUS Directory
The Lee Ka-sing OPUS Directory
The directories are intentionally kept text-based and image-free to ensure clarity and lightness of use. Visual materials and supporting documentation are housed in external image and clipping libraries, which are linked through the directory framework. Together, these tools form the backbone of an evolving archival infrastructure, supporting long-term preservation, study, and presentation of the artists’ works.