We are proud to announce our latest exhibition of new prints and paintings by Hong Kong artist Cho Wing Ki, curated by Malaysian-Hong Kong curator Krystie Ng. Longtime visitors to the gallery may be familiar with Krystie through an earlier show she curated at the gallery back in 2019 titled Carving Reality.
Curatorial statement
Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis, lively and vibrant, rich in culture and history, shaped by the resilient spirit of its people. This vibrant city, often envisioned as a hub of perpetual activity and tradition, holds narratives that resonate far beyond its skyline of skyscrapers. But what of the lesser-known tales that unfold in the quieter corners? Away from the urban centre, what experiences shape the daily lives of ordinary Hong Kong residents? These stories, while less visible, are equally inspiring to understanding the true essence of this dynamic city.
In this ever-changing city, there are indeed many qualities that remain static. Think of the street vendors who have been selling newspapers and cigarettes for decades, the janitor at the community hall works around the clock, the security guards at your residential block commute each day to work, the waitress at your favourite cha chaan teng that doesn’t speak native cantonese, and even the unnamed plants and wandering animals in the neighbourhood garden. They have always been there, often unnoticed and unappreciated, whether in rain or shine.
This October, I am excited to invite Hong Kong emerging artist Cho Wing Ki for a showcase of her recent works in Kuala Lumpur in an exhibition titled The Small Little Place Called Hong Kong. The exhibit will present a recent collection of eight prints and six paintings by the artist. This exhibition is dedicated to the tiny people and the overlooked elements that form and sustain the fabric of the city.
Krystie Ng
August 2024, Kowloon
Opening reception: Sunday, 20 October from 3pm – 6pm
Exhibition dates: 20 October – 24 November 2024
About the Artist
Cho Wing Ki (b. 1989, Hong Kong) is an alumna of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Specialising in oil painting and printmaking, her artistic practice primarily explores the minutiae of urban life and the people within her surroundings. Through her keen observations and delicately detailed works, Cho leads us into the daily lives of ordinary city dwellers and the role of the artist within various groups and communities. Her artworks aim to share the transformative power of art-making and engage with the challenges faced by the community she is passionate about.
Cho has been showcased in galleries across Hong Kong, Korea and Israel. Her recent exhibitions include Good Night, Sleep Tight: A Solo Exhibition by Cho Wing Ki (2021), Cho Cho Chit Chit: A Solo Exhibition by Cho Wing Ki (2015), and Box of LeeLeeLooLoo (2023). Beyond her exhibitions, Cho is also active in community art initiatives. She served as the 2022–23 artist-in-residence for the Jockey Club Artistry Creative Ageing Project and participated in The Practice of Everyday Life (2020), the Hok Hok Zaap Programme (2019–20), and Sparkle! Counting the Days (2018).
Cho is also a member of Prinhow, a printmaking collective that works with marginalised groups to address social issues.
About the Curator
Born in Kuala Lumpur and currently based in Hong Kong, Krystie Ng is a researcher and curator focused on alternative art practices and narratives in contemporary art.
Rising Up 步步⾼陞
2023
Oil on canvas
120 × 90 cm