INTERVIEW
Dear Home, by Lily Kong
During an extended visit to her family home in Hong Kong, London-based artist Lily Kong has created a series of illustrations and riso prints marking the experience, as a collection of moments and fragments that sum up her time there, with a touch of nostalgia.
Lily is one of three artists who joined Grand Matter's professional development programme, Future Makers, in 2022. Full of warmth and colour, the series is a visual diary in keeping with Lily's signature illustrative style, however as a self-initiated project also presented an opportunity for exploration and experimentation.
We spoke to her about the inspiration behind it all, and revisiting a place she knows so well and seeing it with fresh eyes.
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The city I have experienced is different from how it’s often represented in movies or travel guides - I don’t often see the classic neon shop signs or densely populated shiny commercial buildings. Instead, I see the loud crowd in the wet markets and the peaceful green of the hilly countryside.
– Lily Kong
Riso Prints: Running in sunset (L); Hong Kong the city jungle (R)
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the series?
It's an ongoing journal of natural spaces, cityscapes and the people that inhabit them. Inspired by memories, sketches, photographs and videos I have accumulated while visiting Hong Kong - the project explores Hong Kong as a nostalgic but unfamiliar space through the curious eyes of a returning native.
The idea of moments and fragments as an experience of a place is beautiful. Are there particular memories or significance associated with each?
I've created both full, momentary illustrations and little fragments from my 6 weeks stay in Hong Kong over Christmas. Reflecting on my experience in the city, these pieces form a visual journal and an ongoing study of the things that make up the narrative of Hong Kong.
The moments I’ve depicted were the ones that particularly touched me - all inspired by my experience in my home city. Walking through the densely packed streets, staring at the fiery sunset on the pier and grocery shopping at the local wet market, all a part of the city that I grew up in. The city is telling me its story through its flimsy red plastic bags, absurdly shrink-wrapped fruits and home-farmed courgette leaves hanging off the trellis.
The city I have experienced is different from how it’s often represented in movies or travel guides - I don’t often see the classic neon shop signs or the densely populated shiny commercial buildings in Central. Instead, I see the loud crowd in the wet markets and the peaceful green of the hilly countryside.
Fragments: Shrink wrapped fruit, and a fish in the market
We love the way you use light in your drawings, are you looking to achieve a particular mood or feeling?
I love articulating light and shadows in drawings. It was particularly useful in conveying the time of day in the moment, and it echoes the warm, saturated colour palette of the city and helps deliver the nostalgic feel of the project.
Are there any techniques or ideas you’ve been exploring that differ from your usual approach, or push it in new directions?
In personal projects, I choose to make something more “messy”. I opt for wonky lines, crooked brush strokes and off-placed layers. I am free from having to create striking work for others and now make the work only for myself.
I have also incorporated risographs in the process of making. Risograph gives a grainy, handcrafted feel to the work, which was very fitting to the nostalgia in the project.
Sunset in West Kowloon (L); Sunrise on a long haul flight (R); Courgette leaves (Below)
And finally, what has been your favourite moment during your stay in Hong Kong?
During my stay at home, my favourite moment was watching the sunset in Sao Kung pier with my brother. It was a few days after Christmas and we drove to this hidden gem between the hills to see the peachy sunset. It was super lovely. I am grateful for all the stunning views in nature.
Sunset in Sai Kung
About Lily Kong
London-based illustrator Lily Kong creates joyful illustrations about the everyday. She brings pleasure to the awkward moments in life, and explores heavier topics through relatable humour and meme-like observations. Clients include Ace & Tate, Buzzfeed and It's Nice That amongst others.
London
Somerset House
West Wing M19, Strand
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+44(0)2033 322 582
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413 West 14th St
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