Introduction to Dominique Fung’s Art
Dominique Fung’s artwork showcases a unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary expressions. Her paintings are rich with ancestral imagery and symbolism, set within a fluid and dreamlike realm where the boundaries of time and space blur. The artist’s first exhibition in Hong Kong at MASSIMODECARLO serves as a continuation of her exploration into imaginary worlds that draw inspiration from her roots in Hong Kong and Shanghai. This collection reflects a distinctive fusion of traditional symbols, historical references, and magical atmospheres—a visualization of longing and loss transformed by vivid imagination.
Homecoming and Legacy
“Beneath the Golden Canopy” signifies a personal milestone for Fung, marking her first exhibit in her family’s hometown after more than eight years away. She initially planned to return in 2020 for her grandmother’s 90th birthday, but the onset of the pandemic shifted those plans just as her artistic career began to flourish. Currently, her works are commanding substantial prices at auction, and she has quickly become a sought-after artist. Her recent major commission involved creating a series of paintings at Rockefeller Center, delving deeply into ancient myths and storytelling.
During a recent visit to the exhibition, Fung recounts enjoying a significant family gathering that included her grandmother and numerous relatives. This homecoming context enriches the exhibition, as it serves both as a tribute to a powerful matriarchal lineage and a celebration of the energies that surround it. Fung highlights her grandmother’s legacy, stating, “She’s the matriarch of a family of strong women.”
Artistic Journey and Cultural References
Born in Ottawa to parents from China and Hong Kong, Fung’s early exposure to art was limited to small-scale works, primarily classical portraits, landscapes, and Indigenous art. It wasn’t until she visited New York and Italy, encountering large murals firsthand, that she began to envision her own artistic practice on a grander scale. These experiences led to drawing from the sculptures and Chinese collections at institutions like the Met, significantly shaping her visual vocabulary.
Fung’s latest series taps into the complex legacy of Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled the Qing Dynasty from 1861 until her death in 1908. Depending on the narrative, Cixi is portrayed either as a treacherous figure or a significant historical player in Chinese history. Despite the controversies surrounding her legacy, her influence remains deeply embedded in the cultural landscape, symbolizing the struggle between power and femininity.
Dreamlike Compositions and Symbolism
In Fung’s creations, history and fantasy intertwine, giving rise to an eclectic mix of concubines and emperors displayed in vibrant compositions. Departing from a linear perspective, she draws inspiration from traditional Chinese scroll paintings, allowing her works to unfold in an expansive visual field. Her layering technique creates rich, symbolic spaces where varied narratives converge and evolve.
The pieces displayed in the opening area of the gallery possess a monumental quality reminiscent of historical frescoes. Through a rhythmic exploration of historical narratives, they evoke sensations rather than a strict chronology. A consistent interplay between feminine and masculine forces can be observed in the color palettes—warm hues contrast with deep greens, suggesting the instability of ancient symbols. Fung emphasizes the notion of embodying duality within life, reflecting the universal condition of existing in liminality.
Intimacy and Exploration of Power
In a more intimate section of the exhibition, the atmosphere mimics Cixi’s personal quarters. Antique wooden boxes scattered across the floor contain small paintings, each telling fragile stories of emotion and memory. Fung sources these relics through antique shops and auctions, embracing the inherent narratives they carry. This collaboration with time and history enriches her artistic journey.
Suspended above are representations of opulent rituals associated with Cixi, precariously supported by unseen laborers. These works challenge viewers to reassess who has control over historical narratives and how power is visually represented and concealed. Fung’s paintings invite a deeper reflection on themes of yearning and belonging, connecting personal and collective memories through evocative imagery.
Conclusion
Dominique Fung’s artwork serves as a profound exploration of ancestral connections and universal themes of gender. Her dreamy compositions act as portals to the past, allowing viewers to delve into ideas of familial trauma while engaging with the symbols that shape our understanding of history. Through the fluid emergence of both individual and collective narrative, Fung offers a pathway to discovery and healing, striking a balance between the remembered and the imagined.
