Kwok Mang Ho’s Solo Exhibition “Geometric Frog King”

a|n Gallery launches a new exhibition "Geometric Frog King", exhibiting 50 works by local artist Frog King Kwok Mang Ho. The exhibition period is from February 23 to March 11, 2023.

The exhibition "Geometric Frog King" showcases a series of recent contemporary ink paintings by famous Hong Kong artist Kwok Mang Ho ("the Frog King"). He combines calligraphy approaches with techniques such as ink-splashing and sprinkling, brushing, printing and dyeing; hence presenting the various forms of frogs using abstract lines and patterns. The exhibited works include 12 ink works, 15 pieces which are adorned with acrylic highlights, 19 mixed media works and 4 fire-scorched canvas paintings. With the addition of avant-garde contemporary art elements on the basis of traditional aesthetics, he creates an extension of his iconic frog drawing by painting geometric figures, which represent the growth of frogs – from hatched eggs to tadpoles and frogs; and finally, the renowned Frog King. He ingeniously paints frogs’ life cycle with carefree brushstrokes which emanate strength, serving as a powerful display of the Frog King’s masterful calligraphy skills.

Apart from using shades of ‘stone’ and ‘water’ colors found in traditional Chinese ink paintings, the Frog King infuses a delightful selection of bright fluorescents and pinks as the pieces’ focal points; cleverly extracting the essence of Western abstract art. His pieces aptly retain the primal properties of ink colors, whilst masterfully using the properties of paper to create a sharp contrast between the base layer and the strong brushstrokes on top, resulting in a visually impactful scene.

A master of pictorial design, the Frog King was once a lecturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Design. With uninhibited lines rapidly flying across the painting, he creates exaggerated shapes and forms which hone on boundless energy. At the same time, the Frog King ensures the drawing does not lose its focal point by exercising restraint and balance in his design outlooks.

A sense of indulgence and freedom permeates through the Frog King’s multi-media works, reflecting upon his own personal “c’est la vie” approach to life. The Frog King is willing to embrace newness and continuously try time and time again using experimental approaches. From blossoming ink patterns that grow as they are tossed onto the canvas; to burning canvases with fire to create singed pieces, the Frog King’s works are reminiscent of the raw beauty of primitive cave paintings. Together with his experimental artistic techniques, he redefines ink art with tinges of pop art vibes.

In the 60s, the Frog King studied under Lui Shou Kwan, a master of ink painting. In the 70s, he challenged the style and mode of creation traditional ink paintings by advocating the concept of “all is art”, meaning any medium or concept could be used as the ingredient for artistic creations. In the 80s, the Frog King emigrated to New York and spent 15 years studying art there, and served as an apprentice in the Art Students League in New York for 4 years. The Frog King returned to Hong Kong in 1995, bringing together Chinese and Western cultures with his "Frog Art", and sowing the seeds for the blossoming of experimental art.

Not only do the Frog King’s works record the life cycle of frogs, but they also symbolize the development of human civilization, and the relationship between man and nature. Its abstract geometric patterns leave blank spaces which are open to interpretation by the audience. His works are an invitation for people to discover the daring mind, burning creativity and passionate soul behind the artwork.

With the Frog King's devotion to making art, and his extraordinary ability to make use of a wide spectrum of materials; the Frog King creates works which are truly one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable – a gem in Hong Kong’s art scene.

“Geometric Frog King” Exhibition Information