Created By
Wai Hong
ink and color on silver Xuan paper on wood
Curator
Luke Chapman
This piece from HONG Wai's "Hong Kong Express" series continues her exploration of iconic stage presence from Hong Kong's entertainment scene, focusing here on the intersection of performance and identity. The deliberately cropped perspective of the eyes, combined with the dramatic makeup and controlled ink drips, speaks to the transformative power of performance in Hong Kong's entertainment history. HONG's masterful manipulation of traditional Chinese ink techniques creates a dialogue between classical artistic practices and contemporary pop culture. The dripping effect suggests the fluidity of identity – a theme central to both the artistic legacy of Hong Kong performers and the city's broader cultural narrative. Through this work, HONG Wai invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of Hong Kong's golden age of entertainment and its continuing influence on the city's artistic expression.
"1987 Evil" (2025) is a circular composition on silver Xuan paper that presents an intimate cropped view of theatrical eye makeup with dramatic effect. The piece captures a pair of eyes adorned with bold stage makeup, while a sweep of ink suggests dramatic styling of hair or costume. The lower portion of the image transforms into methodical drips in varying tones that cascade down the circular format. The composition is anchored by traditional seal marks and calligraphic characters at the top, with the artist's signature and seal in the lower right corner. The circular format creates a focused viewpoint while the controlled drips introduce a contemporary element that bridges traditional Chinese ink painting with modern artistic expression.
Created By
Wai Hong
33 x 33 cm | 13 x 13 in
50 x 50 cm
2025
