iPRECIATION Singapore is pleased to present the inaugural solo exhibition of Hong Kong China artist Tse Yim On (b.1974). This show presents 13 paintings which explore the meaning of collective memories within Hong Kong through Tse’s deep conceptual practice.

Mongkok Library sees Tse Yim On reach new levels as a masterful visual storyteller, while taking an introspective direction of his works, entitling the viewers to connect what they see on the canvases with the rudiments of popular culture. The exhibition will include thirteen latest works painted by Tse during an intensive period of two years, which the artist exhausted himself in exploring layered systems of meaning behind literary titles, and its vigor as a form of visual language.

Living in post-colonial Hong Kong today, where cultural tension intensifies, the artist communicates a modern satirical view on discourses and collective memories deep-seated within Hong Kong culture. The historical and cultural significance of Mongkok accede it to be a distinctive landmark of Hong Kong. Transpired by the affiliation, Tse parallels his meticulous selection of literary titles to the innate cultural dissonances of this ideologically complex district of Kowloon.

In Mongkok Library, Tse uses the combination of static poses from the female figurines and sensitive details of the literary titles, emanating a unique reflection on cultural and socio-political arena, one that is both universal and highly personal.

Tse’s exploration on the methodology of loose association is exemplified in his works, extracting disparate issues from the popular culture into an abridgment of alliance with the seemingly incongruent literary titles. The viewer is called upon to identify the relationship between the two elements that is formed instinctively in our imagination.

Mongkok Library is an introspective response of the artist, Tse Yim On’s, connoted by significant insights inherent in post-colonial societal dilemmas borne Hong Kong.