"The rioter'' by Tong Yuk Ying. Photo by Teynmoli Subramaniam
Anger, Fear, Sad, Justice, Love for homeland- these are the fuming emotions translated purely into her own painting of ''The rioter''. The London based, Hong Kong artist, Tong Yuk Ying, fondly known as Niki, strongly feels that the simmering tension in her homeland right now is a matter of moral obligation of every civilian, a sense of justice and a right to be represented to uphold human rights, freedom of speech and democracy no matter where they are. She says, the younger generation, like her and her friends are educated, knowledgeable and have their own set of logical and critical thinking. Their dream is to see a peaceful and democratic Hong Kong that can be cherished by the current and future generation.
Niki questions the word 'rioter'. Who are rioters? Children and millions of innocent civilians who merely want their voice to be heard by a powerful force and the rest of the world?
She wants to see a Hong Kong that is free, just, equal and open society. She said her heart throbs each time she sees the news and updates on social media about the devastating situation in her motherland. Her conscience is clear if she can make some small contribution by her own means to what is evolving in the former British-colony. That is how this drawing was transpired and few others are on its way.
Hong Kong has seen a culture of protest. This time, against a controversial extradition bill - and tensions rose further on Monday, the 1st of July 2019 evening when protesters stormed the legislative council.
Young people have always been on the front lines in the fight for democracy. They hope to show the world that what they are fighting for is not a Hong Kong or Chinese struggle, but a universal struggle for human rights. "We do not want to sacrifice our human rights and freedom of speech." Niki said. It is not usual for her to see her country change and their anger and fear is an accumulated feeling since the past years.
For this budding artist, her brush is the magic wand and colours are her language. It is her communication tool to express her emotions and thoughts. Her paintings are a mirror to see herself by using different colours that depicts the mood of her subject. She added, whenever she paints she feels like a magician. Every painting is a challenge for herself to bring the mystical magic out of her imagination and test her own confidence and resilience.
Niki loves portraits paintings. Historically, portrait paintings have primarily memorialized the rich and powerful. For this young artist, who will soon turn 25, rich and powerful are individuals own memories. Her favourite painting is of her dad. She recalls, every year, after Chinese New Year's lunch at her grandparents house, her dad who earns the bread and butter of their family of 5 by fixing air conditioners will have a drink with her grandfather and later pass out. "This is him", she says giggling lovingly, cherishing memories of her dad who is in Hong Kong with her mum and her older brother.
Acrylic and oil paintings of the human faces are a great form of artistic expression. Niki uses acrylic, oil painting, and resin. She particularly loves exploring her work with oil and thick gesso texture to bring out the details of her artwork.
Niki finds human faces are challenging yet fascinating. Through art, she can express the emotion and her view on how she sees people from her very own eyes and mind. Covering her acrylic and oil painting in a coating of epoxy resin takes her oil and acrylic paintings to a different level. It gives them an enchanting finish with a glossy sheen that makes the colour burst and stands out from its natural form.
Talking about colours and brushes, I, then asked her what is canvas for her, she promptly answered, " Thing!", as she poured a cup of tea for me. " A thing to put colour on. I can use everything as my canvas."
Niki upcycles cardboards, plywood, paperboard, and wooden blocks from old furniture to paint her masterpieces. Her simplicity proved, one can simply use anything and paint anywhere if they have their heart and mind for it. She has seen enough rejections and judgements; and now flourishing in her own way with new opportunities and freedom of arts in the United Kingdom, UK.
Success for Niki is to use art to connect people with the hope to make a positive impact through her passion and love of paintings in the context of humanity. Her own struggles and experiences has shown her how powerful art is and she loves to see people being happy with her favourite works. Niki hopes to inspire young people and children around the world especially from poorer countries like Africa where art blooms in its unique form. She believes art can speak many languages and through it she can empower generation of tomorrow with enough knowledge for better days ahead and a peaceful world.
Well, Niki. Here's a bunch of best wishes and cheers for all your endeavours.
Time to get away from my work desk and grab my cup of tea. Soon, it's time for a quest to hunt treasure with my six year old boy and his school matey, " Yo ho, haul together, hoist the colors high. Heave ho, thieves and beggars; never shall we die. The king and his men stole the queen from her bed, and bound her in her bones. The seas be ours, and by the powers; where we will; we'll roam."
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