Art Central 2024 has ended, but some works still remain in our hearts. One such work is an impressive work with rich blue hues and dynamic poses. shadow boxing Written by Ho Sing-tong. As the first Hong Kong artist to be commissioned by the Expo for a large-scale installation, we couldn't resist the opportunity to interact directly with the artist and learn about the inspiration and process behind this work.
Ho Xing Tong's first encounter with martial arts was just a coincidence. “A friend took me to a boxing gym and that was it,” she said. It was love at first sight. “I've never stopped since. My friend stopped going after a few weeks.
“I understood the world through language and research,” she continued. “Martial arts is another way of contemplating and experiencing life through the body and movement. It introduced me to another world. It acts as an anchor in my chaotic life. Because you need to discipline yourself around it. When your body becomes stronger, your mind becomes sharper.”
She began exploring martial arts and branched out into other forms such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai, which became part of her daily routine. Eventually, she decided to open part of her art studio and turn it into Goodnight Gym, describing it as a “cultural sports space.” This is where she worked on her installations and where she found her inspiration. ““I paint when people are exercising around me,” she said. “Martial arts and art are in the same space!”
shadow boxing This labor of love features a set of four figures that correspond to the four martial arts offered at her gym: BJJ, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Kali or Charis, and Yoga. “Shadow boxing itself is often practiced when training alone. “It's a good exercise for developing muscle memory and imagination,” she explained. “It reminds me of patience and preservation.”
All four martial arts arose from a mixture of cultures. Cali combined traditional Filipino martial arts with Spanish fencing techniques. Japanese judoka brought judo (then known as Kano Jiu-Jitsu) to Brazil, and locals later adopted it as Jiu-Jitsu. Muay Thai was influenced by other Asian cultures and developed into the martial art we know today. Capoeira developed when Africans in Brazil disguised their martial arts practice as dance and acrobatics.
On the right is a regal woman with dark blue skin and four arms. Each has different items. It depicts Kali, the national sport of the Philippines using weapons, while evoking the image of the Hindu goddess Kali.
Next to him are two women, one locking the other in an armbar, a move from Ho Sing Tung's favorite martial art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “handThe world of grappling is full of imagination. You’re playing chess with another body, using every joint and muscle to its full potential,” she said. “The reason we can practice Jiu-Jitsu is because we can feel pain and loss. By confronting others, we can feel certain parts of ourselves, primarily our weaknesses and inner demons. It gives you a chance to uncover and rewrite your identity with continued practice.” Next to it, you can see two men having a Muay Thai fight. Finally, the larger man performs the acrobatic movements of capoeira.
Each set of figures is painted with different colors, body shapes, and outfits, some of which are inspired by people in her gym community.through shadow boxing, Ho Hsing Tung wanted to show that martial arts are not limited to one gender, race, size, age, or culture. “I would love to “We reveal the glorious world of martial arts through art,” she said.
artwork: shadow boxing Written by Ho Sing Tong
Video and featured image: Ryan Putrant
Hero image: Eric Hong, courtesy of Art Central
Interviewer: Johanna Muliani
