Wuon-Gean Ho

Since the summer of 2007 Wuon-Gean Ho has been developing this body of work that explores issues of identity, internal dialogue, and buried memories.  The masked faces in the series 'Masks Unmasked' portray a combination of emotions and histories, with a multiplicity of imagery that shifts in and out of focus depending on the viewer's gaze. Beasts and lovers, feathered monsters and sinuous angels hide within and form part of the shape of each mask. The ambiguity of these lines and shapes creates an abstract narrative for longer contemplation.

The prints have evolved from finely detailed linocuts to a large scale silkscreen prints, handprinted in East London. Powerful gestural marks and sharp incised lines dominate the faces, recalling the lines on our palms that tell the future and the past. The laid pattern of the paper possesses a texture that evokes the tactility of skin. The colours are luminous, vibrant and intense, an apt parallel for intense emotions and symbolism.

British born of Malaysian and Singaporean parents, Wuon-Gean Ho graduated as a veterinary surgeon before receiving a scholarship to study traditional woodblock printmaking in Kyoto, Japan. She has held printmaking residencies in London, Oregon and Kyoto. Alongside the print work she also makes artist's books which are on display in London and Edinburgh. This year Ho will be having solo shows of her artwork in the UK, USA and Canada.