In the satirical novella The True Story of Ah Q, Lu Xun criticises Ah Q’s “spiritual victory” as a method of self-comforting. However, to artist Chan Ho Wang, Ah Q is not merely a pathetic, laughable character, but a tragic figure who attempts to fight against harsh society with “spiritual anaesthesia”. The title of this exhibition references Ah Q’s story, while Chan offers a playful yet serious tune to rethink Ah Q’s helplessness. He sheds light on the relationship between emotional labour and exploitation, reimagining how Ah Q faces mental oppression amid our contemporary society, attempting to subvert our linear imagination of “spiritual victory”. 

Invisible, unaccounted, and undervalued labour and contribution (largely performed by women) are ubiquitous, spanning the domestic space and the work field. The imbalance between contribution and reward/value, as well as the rampant exploitation within and beyond the institution have become the driving forces that keep the capitalist society afloat. Self-exploitation eventually saps the will and spirit, while emotional labour is the most marginalised existence. When we mock every Ah Q trying to laugh it off and make sense of the oppression that they face, we seem to ignore the systemic collapse and exploitation behind, putting the blame on people who are unable to take full control of their lives.

Opening Reception:                
2023.01.14, Saturday, 4:30pm

Artist Sharing:
2023.2.19, Sunday, 2:30pm

Gallery address: L2-02, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon