Hong Wai (b. 1982, Shanghai) is a celebrated contemporary artist whose practice is defined by its masterful synthesis of Eastern tradition, Parisian modernism, and technological innovation. Born in Shanghai and raised in Macao, Hong Wai has been based in Paris, France, for over two decades, positioning her as a leading voice in the transnational art dialogue.

Practice & Technique

Hong Wai’s work is rooted in a nearly thirty-year engagement with Chinese ink painting—a traditionally male-dominated discipline—which she recontextualizes through a distinctly feminine and contemporary lens. Her groundbreaking contributions include:

• Lace Calligraphy: An innovative artistic language combining Western lace aesthetics with the formal tradition of Eastern calligraphy. These textile sculptures fuse softness and strength, weaving fine material to form three-dimensional Chinese characters and words. This technique distills complex narratives—particularly themes of intimacy, gender, nostalgia, and the immigrant experience—letter by word, drawing inspiration from Hong Kong’s vibrant pop culture and the nuances of Parisian life.

• The Secret de Boudoir Series: Ink paintings that offer a modern, cross-cultural reinterpretation of European Vanitas paintings, exploring personal memory and the feminine. This series gained international recognition through a successful collaboration with the prestigious French lingerie house, Aubade, resulting in the acclaimed “Encre de Chine” collection, which translated Hong Wai’s ink works into French lace and Swiss embroidery.

• Alternative Landscapes Series: Contemplative ink works that evoke the spirit of the Chinese Literati, using layered mountain ranges to conceal and reveal subtle mystery.

Education and Intellectual Rigor

Hong Wai's artistic approach is grounded in rigorous study. She holds a Master's degree from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris, where she specialized in "Language and Art Theory and Practice," focusing her research on "The Contemporary Expression of the Spirit of Chinese Literati Art." She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Literature from National Taiwan University. Her key influences span centuries and cultures, from the classical masters of Chinese literati painting to the conceptual work of French artist Sophie Calle.

Innovation in Art and AI

In a significant expansion of her practice, Hong Wai has become a pioneer in the artistic use of Artificial Intelligence. She successfully trained the humanoid AI robot, Sophia, in the aesthetics and formal qualities of her signature "Lace Calligraphy" through machine learning. This resulted in a critically noted series of authenticated digital co-creations, positioning Hong Wai at the vanguard of the contemporary intersection between human-led tradition and emergent technology.

Selected Exhibitions

Hong Wai’s works have been exhibited widely across Asia, Europe, and the United States, including:

• Museums and Galleries: Sotheby’s Gallery Hong Kong, the Macao Museum of Art, and a solo exhibition at the Museu do Oriente in Lisbon.

• Curated Shows: Featured in the acclaimed solo exhibition, "No Way To Be Good (沒有辦法做乖乖)," curated by Luke Chapman (HUMANARTY).

• International Art Fairs: Volta Basel, Art Stage Singapore, Art Taipei, Art Central Hong Kong, and West Bund Art & Design Shanghai.