“Made in Hong Kong” Series
Inspired by particular genres of souvenir paintings (or trade paintings) that catered to foreign tourists during the ’70s, and intrigued by the influx of Mainland tourists and the impressions of Hong Kong.
I work with a group of trade painters from a painting factory from the neighboring city of Shenzhen to mass-produce a series of iconic images (eg. Mickey Mouse, Golden Bauhinia, gold shops, real estate for Mainland buyers, political books, and demonstrations…). My intention is not only to explore the “invisible cultural context” of a post-colony ten years after its return to the motherland but also to question my artist’s role as a producer who incorporates mass production emblematic of China’s economic condition.
To gain a broader understanding of what constitutes a professional souvenir painter, I became an apprentice under the master from the painting factory.
On view is a series of trade painting multiples of my collection with the souvenir painters, that are exhibited together with a video of about 11 mins documenting the learning and producing process. The series of Made in Hong Kong have been exhibited at galleries and museums in Hong Kong, Mainland, and Overseas.
