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.
107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
#01-03