Chow Ciao Chow: No More Sorrow

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Wangsim is pleased to present No More Sorrow, an online presentation that showcases a selection of 14 artworks from Hong Kong based artist Chow Ciao Chow’s portrait series No More Sorrow, most pieces from which have never been exhibited in public before. Chow has been producing colorful and hyperbole portraits—originated from informal commission requests—which explore emotional trauma, self-empowerment, and sexuality since 2014.

In his No More Sorrow series, Chow chooses to concentrate on a singular theme: crying humans, presenting a nuanced examination of the artist’s personal struggle over solitary, anxiety, and trauma. The works also evidently mirrored the public frustration of many queer communities, and—throughout the challenging time—of the society at large. Yet with vibrant colors, bold strokes and dramatic patterns, the works remain forgiving, pleasant, and achingly positive, advocating emotional release after a cathartic cry.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Chow Ciao Chow is a Hong Kong based visual artist. Chow began his career with an extensive history in fashion design where he worked many years after first earning his degree in fashion and textiles. After leaving the industry in 2014, Chow co-founded the experimental space Mum’s Not Home in Hong Kong’s dynamic Yau Ma Tei area. In Mum’s Not Home, he began his full-time career as an artist. Chow experimented painting faces using different colours for different personalities. The results can be compared to colorful make-up or infrared thermal images. Using bold strokes of watercolor and acrylic paint, Chow’s skilled and steady hand beautifully blends his vibrant colors and captures a likeness impeccably.

Chow has participated in solo and group presentations in Hong Kong, Germany, and the United States. Chow was involved in numerous collaborations with leading lifestyle and retail brands such as Lane Crawford, Casetify and Le Labo. In 2022, his mural from Your Sunshine is Crying series was part of the COS Pride Month campaign "Love For All". His works have been involved in permanent collections across the globe.