In the quiet confines of his childhood bedroom, artist Henry Shum creates captivating oil paintings that radiate with an enigmatic inner glow. Painting under the dim overhead light, Henry Shum’s artistic journey began at the age of 14 in his parents’ home, nestled in the eastern New Territories of Hong Kong. After a few years studying at the esteemed Chelsea College of Arts in London, Shum returned to his roots in 2020, just as the world grappled with the onset of the pandemic.
Despite the subdued radiance that emanates from his artwork, it is surprising to learn that Shum works in a poorly lit studio. However, this deliberate choice is part of his artistic process. He believes that if a painting can be appreciated in a harsh environment, it will shine even more brilliantly in a setting with proper lighting and a clean wall.
Shum’s desire to return to Hong Kong was not only driven by his personal connection to his family but also by a remarkable opportunity. Hong Kong’s Empty Gallery offered him a debut solo show after one of their representatives came across his thesis work. This recognition cemented his decision to move back to the city he calls home.
During a series of strict lockdowns over the past three years, Shum developed a distinctive working process that sets his paintings apart. He starts by meticulously layering thin coats of primer, which gradually build up and invite an element of unpredictability to the surface. Infused with lapis atmospheres and occasionally accentuated with scarlet or chlorophyll green, his paintings depict silhouettes that seem to dissolve into their surroundings, with oil paint appearing to bleed like watercolors.
One of Shum’s notable works, “Dream Construction” (2020), features two luminescent cyan figures perched in front of an amber anthropomorphic fire. The painting’s surface is meticulously finished with a dry brush, lending the faces a delicate, powdered quality.
Shum’s unique artistic style captivates viewers, evoking a sense of intrigue and wonder. His atmospheric paintings transport viewers to ethereal realms, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. Through his masterful use of color and texture, Shum invites us to explore the depths of his artistic vision.
As Shum continues to create in the intimate confines of his childhood bedroom, his works captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike. The interplay of light, color, and form in his paintings invites viewers on a visual journey, as they unravel the mysteries held within each brushstroke.
Henry Shum’s talent and his ability to capture a mysterious inner light within his artwork have firmly established him as an artist to watch. With each stroke of his brush, he unveils a world of captivating beauty and ethereal enchantment, leaving us eager to see where his artistic journey will lead next.