Wong Xiang-Yi (1987-)

 

Wong Xiang-Yi was born in Malaysia and has received her bachelor of art degree in The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She later on relocated to Taipei and completed her Master degree of Fine Arts in Taipei National University of the Arts. Her unique approach to body, female perspective and the subtlety presented in her art made her the recipient of significant awards, including Grotto Creation Awards (2010) and Hong Kong Chinese Meticulous Painting Association Creative Award (2009).

 

The artist was invited to exhibit at ‘THE GLAMOROUS INSIGHT’  in Taipei (2015), A‧Lift Gallery’s ART14 LONDON: ‘DELINEATION’ in London (2014) and had a solo exhibition entitled ‘ze•ph•yr’ (2013) in Hong Kong. Her works were also presented in ‘Unspoken Tales: Dreams and Emotions’ (2013) curated by ARTIFY GALLERY along with other Hong Kong artists. She also held a solo exhibition ‘P.S.’ (2012) at the leading contemporary gallery Grotto Fine Art in Hong Kong. In 2014, Xiang-Yi’s pursuit of contemporary view integrated with traditional technique made her one of the prominent artists on the 100 Painters of Tomorrow recognised by international committee members.

 

With obscure figurative present as her major theme, Wong Xiang-Yi presents her own experience of the restraints and dissatisfactions of the female body. The absence of female characters in this genre releases viewers from reality constraints and rigid social values, providing a sense of security with its distanced objectivity. This unique perspective discloses the psychological aspect of a particular group of the female audience.

 

The artist chooses ink painting as her medium to illustrate the dreamlike delusion through its soft, thin, and transparent features, while being conscious of the medium's long tradition associated with its ethical values. Xiang-Yi's works attempt to initiate a conversation between the traditional and the contemporary through its drastic contrast between form and content.