Have you ever looked at your socks and thought they would be great for a painting? No, not as a subject, but as the object to create the painting itself. Most likely no, but Hong Yi - or Red, as she is more widely known in the art community - has definitely had this train of thought and most impressively, has gone on to create a number of paintings using socks, among many other unconventional mediums.
That is one unusual way to paint, you'd think, and you'd be right. Red has carved a name for herself creating artworks using everyday objects that most of us wouldn't even perceive as art materials.
The 37-year-old has always had an eye for creativity, having grown up doodling cartoons ever since - at age five - she was introduced to Picasso via a reproduction hanging in her parents' bedroom and discovered how art can be created through a few strokes and lines. She did, however, initially choose to pursue a more conventional career back in her twenties for the sake of stability.
"I was not trained in art. I was trained in architecture. So, I have no idea what the art world was about," she confesses. After graduating with Bachelor of Arts in Planning and Design (2007) and Master of Arts in Architecture (2010) degrees at the University of Melbourne, Red left Australia for China in 2011 to begin her working life as an architect.
"When I moved to Shanghai to tap into my roots a bit, that was really what inspired me to create art because it was a change of environment," she says, adding that it was a "culture shock" for her as life growing up as a Sabahan of Chinese descent in Kota Kinabalu and life living among the locals in China were markedly different.
Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Prestige Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Prestige Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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FEELING NEAT
The Balvenie 30 combines traditional techniques with rich, layered flavours, offering a refined quaff for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
CROWNED AS KING
King Living brings home the gold with a double victory at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.
ART DECO DREAMS
Khoon Hooi and PRESTIGE hosted an exclusive afternoon tea unveiling the eponymous designer's Art Deco-inspired collection, where guests embraced couture in anticipation of the PRESTIGE KL Ball.
MYTH OF THE MAN
In dedication to his late mother, Myth: Evolution’ takes us through the personal and professional journey of Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran through the vision of the dragon.
GREEN IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
From green initiatives to mythical beast-imbued writing instruments, our eclectic list of toys is sure to usher in the end-of-year cheer.
FOOD AWAKENING
From shopping sprees to setting off for Sabah and savouring some weekend hotel dining, it looks like food lovers are in for a busy month ahead.
AUTUMN JAUNTS
From deep waters off the coast of Singapore to the racetracks of Dubai, our travel recommendations for November ensures diversity in choice, and excitement in the experience.
REDEFININING URBAN LIVING
Sustainability, safety, and style come together in the innovative Swedish marque's latest all-electric compact SUV, designed for the modern city dweller.
PORT OF CALL
During the last week of September every year, the action in the Mediterranean’s glamorous enclave of Monte Carlo shifts to the famous Port Hercules for the annual Monaco Yacht Show, allowing visitors a glimpse of some of the finest yacht launches.
THE FIRST WAVES
From backstage interviews to KL cuisine under the Johor sun, the Ombak Festival's debut made its mark.