THE ART OF CONCEALMENT

Chinese artist Meiying explores personal growth at an exhibition in Bangkok

- STORY: SUWITCHA CHAIYONG

After Chinese artist Meiying graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she returned to Beijing and felt everything had changed.

This change inspired her to create the character Hyde a child who likes to hide in clothes and observe the world silently.

"I created Hyde in 2019 after I returned to Beijing from New York. I felt like the world had changed a lot, so I created Hyde who is shy like me. He observes the world with his eyes, but he is a little shy and timid in his actions. Thus, he likes to stand still and act shocked by the changes around him. I sometimes draw him hiding under clothing and staring at a place that has changed," explained Meiying.

"Hiding under clothes symbolises protection. When I was a child, my parents always told me there were dangers outside and I could not do this or that. It was good advice because they were trying to shelter me. It is similar to Hyde hiding under clothes for protection."

In person, Meiying is soft spoken. She also looks shy when she is talking about Hyde.

"Hyde is a unique way for me to express myself. He is an extension of myself, but in another form. I hope my character can be braver than me. In this world, there are many things I want to try but I don't. I hope my character can help me or take action instead of me. I draw him having adventures or going back to his childhood."

Hyde became well-known after Meiying's solo exhibition "Dream White" at Today Art Museum in Beijing in 2022. When asked why many people like Hyde, Meiying believes people go through similar experiences.

"Asian parents are strict with children. I think many viewers grew up in the kind of environment. Thus, we share similar experiences and emotions as Hyde."