Created By
Wai Hong
Ink and color on silver Xuan paper
Curator
Luke Chapman
The artist's technical execution brilliantly merges traditional Chinese painting techniques with contemporary elements. The dissolving effect created by the controlled watercolor drips suggests both tears and the metaphorical melting of masks – a poignant reference to Mui's ability to transform herself while maintaining her authentic artistic voice. The choice of colors in the stage makeup directly references the theatrical traditions that Mui often incorporated into her performances. The date 1987 marks a pivotal moment in Mui's career, and HONG's decision to pair it with the character for "heroic" speaks to the performer's legendary status in Hong Kong's cultural landscape. The traditional circular format creates an intimate viewing experience, as if we're peering through a portal in time to witness a moment of vulnerability behind the public persona.
In this circular composition, HONG Wai presents a striking partial portrait focusing solely on a pair of eyes adorned with dramatic stage makeup in shades of blue, red, and black. The eyes are rendered with exceptional detail, capturing both strength and melancholy in their gaze. Below the eyes, the image dissolves into a cascade of watercolor drips in various hues – blues, purples, pinks, and grays – creating a veil-like effect. The work includes Chinese characters at the top indicating "1987 侠" (Heroic), along with the artist's seal marks. The piece is executed on a light gray background in the traditional circular format associated with Chinese fan paintings. The artist's technical execution brilliantly merges traditional Chinese painting techniques with contemporary elements. The dissolving effect created by the controlled watercolor drips suggests both tears and the metaphorical melting of masks – a poignant reference to Mui's ability to transform herself while maintaining her authentic artistic voice. The choice of colors in the stage makeup directly references the theatrical traditions that Mui often incorporated into her performances. The date 1987 marks a pivotal moment in Mui's career, and HONG's decision to pair it with the character for "heroic" speaks to the performer's legendary status in Hong Kong's cultural landscape. The traditional circular format creates an intimate viewing experience, as if we're peering through a portal in time to witness a moment of vulnerability behind the public persona.
Created By
Wai Hong
33 x 33 cm | 13 x 13 in
50 x 50 cm
2025
