Created By
Wai Hong
Ink and color
Curator
Luke Chapman
In the Secret Boudoir — Vanitas Series, Hong Wai draws inspiration from the historical European Vanitas paintings, which emerged in the early 17th century in the Netherlands. This series features ink depictions of lace-adorned lingerie, high heels, perfume bottles, and skulls, each serving as symbolic elements that reflect themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of beauty and youth. While these objects may initially captivate the viewer, they ultimately prompt a deeper reflection on worldly desires and pleasures. Notably, this series was created in collaboration with the esteemed French brand Aubade, resulting in a unique Encre de Chine lingerie collection that combines Hong Wai’s art with French lace and Swiss embroidery techniques. This collaboration highlights Hong Wai's distinction as the only fine artist invited to partner with Aubade, alongside renowned haute couture designers.
Secret Boudoir — Vanitas Series Hong Wai was inspired by European Vanitas paintings, a special genre that primarily consists of still-life works, which emerged in the early 17th century in the Netherlands. Vanitas paintings use allegorical objects with strong symbolic meanings, such as skulls representing death or wilted flowers symbolizing aging. In this series, Hong Wai uses ink to depict lace-adorned lingerie, high heels, perfume bottles, skulls, and other objects. Though they may appear captivating at first glance, they are symbolic elements of Vanitas art. This series was part of a collaboration with the renowned French brand Aubade, using French lace and Swiss embroidery techniques to interpret Hong Wai’s ink art, resulting in the Encre de Chine lingerie collection, which was launched in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Each year, Aubade collaborates with an internationally renowned haute couture designer to release a special collection. Past collaborators have included famous designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Iris Van Herpen, and Christian Lacroix. Hong Wai is the only fine artist (non-designer) to have been invited for such a collaboration.
Created By
Wai Hong
Framed
33 x 33 cm | 13 x 13 in
2021
