ISAAC CHONG WAI
b. 1990, Hong KongIsaac Chong Wai’s (b.1990; works in Berlin and Hong Kong) artistic practice integrates conceptual, political, and performative elements through an interdisciplinary approach, engaging with the urgency of societal changes and global phenomena. Chong transforms the emotions, tensions, and memories from human interactions into performative materiality and immersive experiences.
In his broad spectrum of works, the artist delves into power relations by exploring both the physical and theoretical boundaries of the body. Navigating the struggles between the individual and the collective, he examines the vulnerability of the body and the inherent violence within social systems and historical traumas. His subtle, poetic, yet critical works infiltrate the systems of meaning, inviting viewers to reexamine their perceptions of power, violence, and fragility.
Chong is a participating artist for the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere curated by Adriano Pedrosa. He will take part in Bangkok Art Biennale 2024. His selected solo exhibitions include: Isaac Chong Wai: Breath by Breath, (Blindspot Gallery, Liste Art Fair Basel, 2023) Isaac Chong Wai in dialogue with Joseph Beuys: The End of Growth (Museum Schloss Moyland, Moyland, 2023), Post-Mythical Accidents, (Una Boccata d’Arte, Fondazione Elpis and Galleria Continua, Castiglione di Sicily, 2022) If we keep crying, we will go blind, (Zilberman Selected, Istanbul 2022), Leaderless (Bilsart, Istanbul, 2021), What is the future in the past? And what is the past in the future? (Zilberman, Berlin, 2019), I Made a Boat in Prison (Zilberman Projects, Istanbul, 2019), An Artistic Archive of Borders (Kunstraum München, Munich, Germany, 2018), Future of the Past – Past of the Future (Goethe Institut Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2018), What is the future in the past? And what is the past in the future? (Bauhaus Museum, Weimar, Germany, 2016).
Courtesy Zilberman
Works at Zilberman
Recently Exhibited
Works Elsewhere
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services