G for Gong looks at the artistic practice of Singaporean video artist and theater director Ho Tzu Nyen. An extension of the artist's large-scale solo exhibition in 2019, this book not only explores Ho's distinctive artistic approach but also dives deeper into the themes of his work.
Stunning both visually and acoustically, Ho's works brim with intricate cultural references—concepts, imaginaries, and allusions to the histories of Eastern and Western literature, art, and music. Through in-depth analysis of Ho's work and the inspiration behind it—in essays by Anselm Franke and David Teh and a scholarly text by historian Marc Opper, together with an interview with the artist—G for Gong untangles this complex web of references and follows Ho through his hallmark artistic process.
Published following the eponymous exhibition at Edith-Russ-Haus für Medienkunst, Oldenbourg, in 2019.
The installations of Singaporean video artist and theatre director Ho Tzu Nyen (born 1976) are visually stunning, opulent works. Numerous references to Eastern and Western literature, art, and Music combine with multifaceted sound collages to form enigmatic pieces that reveal new layers of meaning to the viewer on every level of perception. Ho's central theme is the pursuit of Southeast Asia's cultural identity—or, more correctly, identities—which is both written in and overwritten by such a multitude of languages, cultures, and influences that it is almost impossible to reduce it down to a fundamental historical core.
