JOY PALACE

Welcome to Joy Palace, where ancient Chinese traditions intertwine with modern inspiration, creating a vibrant celebration of love, harmony, and human connection. JPS Gallery proudly unveils the debut solo exhibition of Hong Kong’s rising star artist, Cynthia Mak. Her collection of abstract paintings draws from the classic Chinese palace and its intricate settings, narrating Cynthia’s artistic journey and mapping out what her inner palace looks like.

 

\Hong Kong artist, Cynthia Mak first solo art exhibition in JPS landmark Hong Kong. Joy Palace, where ancient Chinese traditions intertwine with modern inspiration, creates a vibrant celebration of love, harmony, and human connection.

Welcome to my "JOY PALACE" My first Solo exhibition in Hong Kong

Joy Palace - A place where ancient Chinese traditions intertwine with modern inspiration, creating a vibrant celebration of love, harmony, and human connection. A collection of abstract paintings draws from the classic Chinese palace and its intricate settings, narrating my artistic journey and mapping out what my inner palace looks like.

Hong Kong artist, Cynthia Mak first solo art exhibition in JPS landmark Hong Kong. Joy Palace, where ancient Chinese traditions intertwine with modern inspiration, creates a vibrant celebration of love, harmony, and human connection.
  1. THE FRONT GARDEN

As visitors step into the first area, the front garden, they encounter a serene lotus pond—a tranquil oasis. Here, my blossoming canvas paintings are exhibited on long stalks, much like flourishing lotus flowers. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes growth and resilience. Despite murky conditions, the lotus miraculously blooms at daybreak, embodying hope and transformation. The four paintings emerging from the pond represent the virtues of all actions. This serene installation marks the beginning of my artistic journey—a reminder to focus on what truly matters by letting go of anything that no longer serves our purpose.

SOENG/想 - IDEAS 2024, CYNTHIA MAK ACYLIC ON CANVAS Abstract Chinese Character.

SOENG/想 - IDEAS (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 60 by 60 cm

THE WINDOW, 2024 cynthia Mak Acrylic on Canvas, Chinese window inspired

THE WINDOW (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 100 by 100 cm


Hong Kong artist, Cynthia Mak first solo art exhibition in JPS landmark Hong Kong. Joy Palace, where ancient Chinese traditions intertwine with modern inspiration, creates a vibrant celebration of love, harmony, and human connection.

2. THE STUDy

The second space is the study area, where you are invited to enjoy freedom as you explore an open canvas. Scattered paperwork and sketches cover the walls, resembling an extensive mind map. Initially, these shapes and forms may appear random, akin to a child’s creation. But with imagination, they hold the potential to become the foundation of an entirely new universe—an artistic playground where ideas take flight.

CYNTHIA MAK ART HONG KONG ARTIST PLAY 2, JOY PALACE

PLAY II (2024) Acrylic on paper, 59 by 43 cm; 71.5 by 54.2 cm (framed)


Hong Kong artist, Cynthia Mak first solo art exhibition in JPS landmark Hong Kong. Joy Palace, where ancient Chinese traditions intertwine with modern inspiration, creates a vibrant celebration of love, harmony, and human connection.

3. The Parlour

The exhibition’s main attraction is the parlour—a traditional Chinese living room reimagined. Here, people gather, connect, and share joyous sensations. Various Chinese chairs, each with its unique height and style, dot the room. Atop these chairs sit canvas paintings depicting everyday objects found in Chinese homes—landscape scenes, porcelain vessels, plants, and feng shui elements

PENZAI I (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 76 by 102 cm

PENZAI III (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 76 by 102 cm

PENZAI V (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 76 by 102 cm

cynthia mak art joy palace Influenced by traditional Chinese porcelain, I see them not only as functional items but also as central pieces or collectibles within a household. The craftsmanship and beauty of traditional Chinese porcelain

LAM / 林 - FOREST, SCULPTURE (2022) Wood and glass, H25 by W20 by D8 cm

FUK/福 - FORTUNE, SCULPTURE (2022) Wood, H25 by W25 by D11 cm

The Chair

While working on my show paintings, I developed a deep admiration for Chinese chairs. Their timeless designs are still captivating and beautiful even now. A chair can serve as a focal point in a home but also as a symbol of power, authority, and comfort.

In the show setting, the chair is positioned prominently in the center of the room. I envision the chair being placed atop another piece of furniture, symbolizing it as a significant figure within the household with great influence. Next to the chair are two Feng Shui elements paintings, “Mountain” & “Water”. As per the saying “山管人丁,水管财”, the mountain represents benefactors, authority, and harmony, while the water signifies wealth, opportunities, and intuition.

CYNTHIA MAK HONG KONG ARTIST THE HORSES (LEFT) (2024) Acrylic on canvas

THE HORSES (LEFT) (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 31 by 23 cm

CYNTHIA MAK HONG KONG ARTIST THE HORSES (RIGHT) (2024) Acrylic on canvas

THE HORSES (RIGHT) (2024) Acrylic on canvas, 31 by 23 cm

The set of paintings titled "The Horses" were among my final creations before the exhibition commenced. Throughout the planning stages, I hadn't fully recognized the extent of support and assistance I received while under the pressure of meeting the deadline. As a result, I am incredibly thankful and felt compelled to depict two horses bowing in a gesture of gratitude towards all those who helped me. The pair of paintings are positioned at the exhibition's exit on both sides of the door, symbolizing my appreciation for all those who attended the show.


Exhibition Period: 22 March - 20 April 2024

Venue: JPS Gallery HK, Shops 218-219, 2/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong