When ‘consumerism’ clashes with ‘surveillance culture’

Mak Ying Tung 2’s thought-provoking ‘House of Fortune’ exhibition explores contemporary existence

Mak Ying Tung 2 is a conceptual artist with a difference. Also known as Mak2, her passion for “fun” and even the “absurd” is captured in the Hong Kong exhibition House of Fortune.

In works spanning a multitude of genres such as painting, installation, video and performance, she targets “surveillance culture” and a society obsessed by “consumerism.” 

“Mak’s work is belied by the artist’s penchant for fun, silliness, and the absurd. Her wide-ranging oeuvre interrogates various facets of contemporary existence,” the Artsy website reported.

“[They include] from surveillance culture to consumerism. Through her uncanny works, Mak is able to explore the boundaries between artifice and sincerity,” it said.

Mak Ying Tung 2’s exhibition, entitled House of Fortune, at the de Sarthe Gallery in Hong Kong runs from October 16 to December 4.

Home Sweet Home: Feng Shui Painting, Metal 2 | 2021

Material: Acrylic on canvas, triptych

Dimensions: 200 cm x 150 cm

Image: Courtesy of de Sarthe

Home Sweet Home: Feng Shui Painting, Fire 4 | 2021

Material: Acrylic on canvas, triptych

Dimensions: 120 cm x 213 cm

Image: Courtesy of de Sarthe

Home Sweet Home: Feng Shui Painting, Wood 2 | 2021

Material: Acrylic on canvas, triptych

Dimensions: 200 cm x 150 cm

Image: Courtesy of de Sarthe

Home Sweet Home: Feng Shui Painting, Earth 1 | 2021

Material: Acrylic on canvas, triptych

Dimensions: 215 cm x 380 cm

Image: Courtesy of de Sarthe