Created By
Hong Wai
Ink on golden paper Xuan on wood
Curator
Artbridger Curator
In the Secret Boudoir — Vanitas Series, Hong Wai masterfully intertwines the allure of intricate ink renderings with the profound symbolism of traditional Vanitas art. Through the delicate portrayal of lace-adorned lingerie and perfume bottles alongside haunting skulls, the artist invites viewers to contemplate the transient nature of beauty and the inevitable passage of time. By infusing these objects with deeper meaning, Hong Wai prompts us to reflect on the fragility of worldly pleasures and the eternal dance between life and mortality. The collaboration with Aubade further elevates this series, seamlessly blending art and fashion to create a harmonious dialogue between historical symbolism and contemporary design.
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
Hong Wai
Framed
33 x 33 cm | 13 x 13 in
50 x 50 cm
2023
