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Altered Realities: A Jiangshi Introspection



As the space for pop culture, art and collectibles,

BLAXK by ActionCity (BLAXK) is proud to present Altered Realities: A Jiangshi

Introspection exhibition curated by the immensely-talented Daniel Yu!


Set as one of the original local names in the collectibles scene, Daniel Yu is a sculptor

working primarily with clay and resin. Heavily influenced by an upbringing steeped

in local tradition and pop culture ephemera; his works combine both worlds of

imagination yet remain largely shaped by his personal experiences. Best represented

by his macabre-themed characters, including his iconic Jiangshi creations, Daniel’s

toy releases see a cult following amongst the urban and subculture art scene.



The Jiangshi — strongly rooted in modern cultural consciousness by classic Hong

Kong horror movies from the 70s to 90s — is undoubtedly one of the quintessential

Asian troupes familiar to Singaporeans. More than just a cinematic genre, Jiangshi has

grabbed pop culture consciousness as current generations who grew up immersed in

this folklore mythology now seek the creative revival of the iconic horror trope.


Inspired to create his own toys after being influenced by folklores and characters

from his formative years, Daniel Yu started on his art journey through two artist

apprenticeships — one with the National Arts Council (NAC), and one with local artist

collective PHUNK. These mentorships played a big part in getting himself immersed

in the local creative scene, subsequently winning the NOISE artist of the year award,

an initiative by NAC, giving him the courage to dive head first into becoming a

full-fledged maker and creator.



Since then, Daniel grew a large collector base for his art figures including various

ubiquitous characters to him such as Bird Shaman, Lunar Beast, Mumbles, Terror-cotta

and Zuco Banana. Jiangshi remains one of his strongest muse, as his Jiangshi Acolyte

figures become his defining work and highly sought after by collectors and macabre

aficionados alike.


Through Daniel’s eyes, this Altered Realities: A Jiangshi Introspection exhibition creates

an art world of alternative interpretations of our quintessential Asian horror trope —

the Jiangshi, through his showcase of more than 120 Jiangshi creations and other

macabre-themed collectibles produced during his art career.


Paying tribute to Daniel Yu’s iconic take on Jiangshi, thirteen other key artists in the

local arts scene further lend their creative lens to reimagine this intriguing art world

inspired by the beloved Asian cultural icon:


Allison M. Low (@allisonmlow),

ANACATHIE (@anacathie),

ANTZ (@antz_rscls),

Claire & Pann Lim (Holycrap) (@holycrap.sg),

Clogtwo (@clogtwo),

erikartoon (@erikartoon),

FREAKYFIR (@freakyfir),

Inkten Nadirah (@inkten),

Jessica Emmett (@jessica_emmett),

Mojoko (@mojokoworld),

Ratking (@ratking),

Sam Lo (@skl0_) and

Zan Cheong (@zcxz).


Altered Realities: A Jiangshi Introspection will be open to the public at BLAXK by

ActionCity from Saturday, 24 September 2022 to Sunday, 20 November 2022.


BLAXK by ActionCity

107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105

#01-03





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