Synopsis:

Driven by self-reflection, spontaneity and freedom of gesture, Ho Ho Ying championed the path towards abstraction in Singapore in the 1960s. For over five decades, his art and writings have been integral to furthering the development and discourses of art. Ho Ho Ying: The Path I Pursue 《何和应：我追逐的路》presents abstract, figurative and calligraphy paintings, along with creative calligraphy works, sketches and materials from the collection and personal archive of Ho and his family. Apart from Ho's artistic practices, this exhibition also explores the multiple creative paths that he pursued through literary prose as well as essays on art and art criticism. As part of the exhibition, a selection of texts from the 1950s to the 1990s have been translated and made accessible in English. By drawing connections between his works and writings, the exhibition surfaces Ho's ethos, beliefs and motivations, offering intimate glimpses into his life, observations and explorations. At times evocative and in other instances personal and contemplative, Ho Ho Ying: The Path I Pursue 《何和应：我追逐的路》reveals how the written word and art are equally significant as mediums of expression for Ho.

About the artist
Ho Ho Ying (b.1935, China) is a prominent pioneer of modern art in Singapore who co-founded the Modern Art Society Singapore in 1964. In his works, he often draws inspiration from Chinese culture, calligraphy and philosophy as well as the spontaneity of abstract expressionism. A scholar of Chinese language and literature, Ho is a prolific writer who authored numerous books, short stories and contributed to the growing parameters of critical artistic discourse in Singapore. He has also participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Singapore and abroad. In 2012, Ho received the Cultural Medallion for his invaluable contributions to the visual arts.