HO HO YING

In his works, he often draws inspiration from Chinese culture, calligraphy and philosophy as well as the spontaneity of abstract expressionism. He has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Singapore and abroad since 1963. A scholar of Chinese language and literature, he is a prolific writer under his reputed moniker, Zi Mu and authored numerous books, short stories and contributed to the growing parameters of critical artistic discourse in Singapore.

Ho graduated from Nanyang University in 1962 with a degree in Chinese Language and Literature. Ho also received an Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD) Singapore Award, for his contribution in promoting art among different racial art groups in Singapore and uniting various ethnic art organisations. Ho is a frontrunner for the Modern Art Award by the Modern Art Society, Singapore, for his tireless effort in promoting abstract art. He has exhibited in many countries such as Australia, China, France, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and Vietnam.

From Chinese calligraphy of his schoolboy years, to Western Impressionism, Fauvist Masters, Surrealism and Free Movements, Ho’s art style has evolved over years to find peace in the aesthetic of expressionism. At the core of his artistic philosophy lies the principle of Taoist sayings about freedom ‘Let thinking be like a bird in the sky’—to live free of systematic restrictions and have artistic expression. Ho presents abstract, figurative and calligraphy paintings but he also pursues other avenues of artistic expression like essays and art criticism.

Ho’s humble beginnings harkened from a time of lean opportunities. Escaping the Japanese inthe Second-Sino Japanese War and the Second World War. Ho’s fascination with art andliterature was evident in his love for wuxia comics—copying the characters—and reading’excessively’ to the dismay of his mother. His love and confidence in art was bolstered by histalent for calligraphy, winning awards in school, and the support of his mentor Chen Wen Hsiwho often sponsored his art supplies. Going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Languageand Literature, Ho went on to become a figure of support for artistic expression and isoutspoken about abstract arts.

Text courtesy The Columns Gallery.