Lau Hong Lam - Sweet Fire and Deadly Nectar

Whenever the candle flame flickers, a thousand thoughts cross his mind. He’s never had any memorable birthdays—except vague recollections of past celebrations. That is why he never placed much importance on having cake on his birthday. Nevertheless, the sight of cakes brings him joy, as though cakes epitomises the best of both nature and civilisation. Speaking of celebrations, wine is indispensable. Although wine often connotes happiness, it sometimes evokes a sense of chaotic and vulgar indulgence. Given its association with aesthetics and sensory pleasure, wine is naturally a common motif in art and mythology. The representations of cake and wine before you not only carry mythical elements, but also serve as a spiritual feast for contemplation.

Over the past five years, Lau Hong Lam has created many prints of cakes and wine. Sweet Fire and Deadly Nectar showcases the artist’s profound insights into secret, destiny, choice, and love. The book records about 90 of mezzotint prints of Lau Hong Lam and his thoughts from 2020-2023,full-color printed in hardcover.

LAU HONG LAM

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Lau Hong Lam studied at the Academia di Belle Arti di Bologna, Italy, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University in 2019. Lau’s practice focuses on intaglio and the classical technique of mezzotint in printmaking. He has exhibited internationally, including in South Korea, the United Kingdom. Lau has participated in various exhibitions in Hong Kong, at venues including Ben Brown Fine Arts, Hanart TZ Gallery and Hong Kong Art Centre.

Lau’s works use still life as his genre, mythology as his background; combining with classical intaglio, his works create a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere. He likes to use symbols and puns to express his interpretation and experience to the world and daily life. In his works, the general compositions convey a relaxed and humorous daily life. Under his works, the details and depictions of objects keep the secrets out of the daily. In recent years, he concentrates on mezzotint; and makes a new attempt of combining his illustrations, design and narrative nature into his works.

Email:honglamlau@gmail.com

Website: https://lauhonglam.com/

Instagram:@lauhonglam