Mercedes Nok Yi Ng is a Hong Kong born artist who focuses on her delightful memories from her early years in Hong Kong as well as the city’s current struggles. Feeling a little out of place in the West, Mercedes uses her art to bring a piece of home with her and introduce others to its beauty and history. Ng received her BA from Brigham Young University in 2020. In recent years, her works have been in numerous group exhibitions and several solo shows in the US, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Japan. She also participated in artist residencies in Iceland and Japan. She is currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I have been working on a specific project titled “Daai 6 Hei3”, which literally means “Cantonese Opera.” The original purpose of this project is to replace normal people with artists dressed up as Cantonese Opera performers. These paintings explore my identity as a ”Hong Konger” and are a commentary on the unsettling situation of my home. As Hong Kong changes and loses what it once was, many people will have to hide how they feel and think, literally “put on an act.” As ordinary people—stall vendors and passersby—put on their own painted masks, it begs questions about anonymity and personas. These questions fascinate me deeply What purposes do these masks serve? How do they transform the wearers? Do they change the way others see them on a level deeper than surface? What can the wearer get away with inside a new persona? These are pertinent to me because of the situation in my homeland, but lose no relevance on a global scale. A username is often no different than thick makeup, a cover letter the same as a fancy dress. Do filters lie or empower? “Daai Hei” is a still pond to the adaptability and desires of the human spirit.

LINKS
https://mercedesng.com

IMAGES

Mercedes Ng, “Deal?,” 2023, oil on canvas 30 x 40 in.

Mercedes Ng, “Can You Keep a Secret,” 2023, oil on canvas, 23.5 x 21 in.

Mercedes Ng, “Daai6 Hei3 II,” 2021, oil on panel, 20 x 20 in.

Mercedes Ng, “Daai6 Hei3 VII,” 2023, oil on masonite board 11 x 10 in.

Mercedes Ng, “Daai6 Hei3 III,” 2021, oil on panel, 20 x 20 in.

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