Created By
Hong Wai
ink and color on silver Xuan paper on wood
Curator
Artbridger Curator
In "1997 Red," HONG Wai masterfully intertwines the realms of tradition and modernity, using intricate ink techniques to depict a symbol of contemporary glamour - the high-heeled shoe. The piece's circular format echoes traditional Chinese fan paintings, inviting viewers into a contemplative space where the shoe's sequined surface shimmers with nuanced brushstrokes. Through subtle details like the delicate stilts supporting the shoe, HONG captures a sense of suspension and transformation, mirroring the artist's exploration of cultural evolution and personal narrative within the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong's cultural landscape.
"1997 Red" (2025) is a circular composition executed on silver Xuan paper, featuring a high-heeled shoe rendered in deep crimson and black ink. The piece employs traditional Chinese ink painting techniques to capture a contemporary subject, with the shoe's sequined surface meticulously detailed through dotted patterns and textural brushwork. Set against an ethereal grey void, the shoe appears to float, supported by delicate stilts that create a dramatic sense of suspension. The work includes traditional red seal marks and calligraphic characters that anchor it within Chinese artistic tradition, while the subject matter speaks to Cheng's coming out story and cultural evolution. The circular format, reminiscent of traditional Chinese round fans, creates an intimate viewing space that draws the viewer into contemplation of this quintessentially modern object.
Created By
Hong Wai
33 x 33 cm | 13 x 13 in
50 x 50 cm
