ChiZi exhibition / review ep1
A journey that is mesmerising and personalised, ChiZi (赤子), is a highly anticipated collection of works by Hong Kong artist TikKa, as he encapsulates his thoughts on love and human relationship through the character named So Ha. Completed in 2017, ChiZi marks a significant transformative moment in TikKa’s oeuvre that began in 2009. In this collection, the protagonist So Ha expresses a level of gradual maturity that was once subdued, which emanates the personality and growth of the artist’s daughter.
CHIZI, a circular canvased acrylic painting (70cmH x70cmW) is undeniably a spectacular piece that embodies the depths of emotion of a father. Presented in a circular canvas, it paints an elusive and majestic realm of possibilities. The unique shape of the canvas is symbolic of alpha and omega; the beginning and the end. It is likely interpreted as a fresh start in different stages of a person’s life. Particularly, So Ha is depicted with characteristic features, with an enlarged head and eyes, but paired with a petite nose and mouth. This contrast is an absolute reminiscence of many ubiquitous Japanese manga characters. Her peculiar features, along with pale skin complexion blends impeccably with the pastel background. Her strands of silk-like, white colored hair breaks the preconception of ageing, and alludes the notion of longevity. As a whole, it embodies the protection of TikKa as a father towards her daughter through a soft and cloud-like setting. The addition of trees, mountains and clouds elevate So Ha with comfort, and adds a touch of Chinese heritage, which coincides with TikKa’s emphasis of pertaining his Chinese cultural background. Additionally, the warm tonality paints a picturesque tableau with the combination of spiritual figures.
(Figure 1: CHIZI, TikKa, 2017)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/tikkagallery/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1735771936450400
With such idiosyncratic character, the title of the piece, ChiZi ties perfectly with TikKa’s artistic endeavour. The word “ChiZi” means pureness of the heart and mind. Paired with CHIZI, the collection becomes an emblematic motif that is traceable though his years of practice. In addition to the development of So Ha, from a youngster to a mature woman, ChiZi reminds viewers to hold onto creative thoughts, as it is easily forgotten in an commercialised society that hinders autonomous thinking.
While TikKa shares his personal space of imagination, his distinctive stylization bears similarity to the renowned works of Nara Yoshitomo. Alike TikKa, Yoshitomo epitomises a minimal and vibrant space that indicates his influences with Western and Eastern culture, which heightened his spiritual perspective. The works of Yoshitomo and TikKa may perceive as childlike, however within this style lies specific messages that dismay normal societal rules. In a conversation with MaBelle, TikKa compares love as an onion, peeling away each delicate layers. Each unraveling can cause tears to flow, triggering happiness, sadness and touching, memorable moments. Therefore, ChiZi evokes an initiation to reflect upon each intimate and personalised relationship that we cherish.
(Figure 2: In the Pinky Lake , Yoshitomo, Nara, 2004)
http://www.artnet.com/artists/yoshitomo-nara/in-the-pinky-lake-P35NiKJB9ItsDJDi2N58mQ2