Wai Ip  (they/them) is a Hong Kong conceptual/performance artist currently based in London, whose work examines the impermanent nature of human experience.   As a migrant, they navigates the intricate ontological terrain that is sculpted by the relentless forces of vicinity performing upon us, including geographic dislocation, fluctuating political scenarios, and the swift pace of technological progress. Their artwork not only provokes deep introspection but also acts as a mirror reflecting the myriad challenges and necessary adaptations faced by the identity of artist in our rapidly transforming society. 

Wai’s artwork has been exhibited at galleries and art shows in New York, Hong Kong, Canada, France and across South East Asia. They is currently enrolled in the first year of MFA fine art at Goldsmiths, University of London.


identityofartist@gmail.com

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15.2015The Coming Society

site-specific pop up store, sex joss paper products, live performance


The Chinese believe to honour those who pass away, you need to regularly offer paper-crafted carnal goods to the deceased by burning these duplicates of worldly objects made with paper, as these are supposed to be able to fulfil all their needs. As filial needs can be carnal in nature, to keep the deceased satisfied, I need to figure out a way to fulfil the needs of all these horny ghosts. To do that, I recreated dildos, sex toys, porn sites, and even WiFi service passes with the help of a traditionally trained filial paper craft master. In the performance, only half of the offerings are actually burned. At best, that would only satisfy half of their lust. The status quo is to not challenge anything, no matter how absurd the practice is. I would expect to be liberated from all these taboos created as a means of control, even after I pass away. To unshackle from this never-ending control, I need to exterminate this chain around my neck—virtual or filial.