Prodip: Odd Fellas. JPS Gallery. Hong Kong

Martin Cid Magazine Martin Cid Magazine
Prodip, Peyote ceremony, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 60.5 by 91 cm; 64 by 94.5 cm

JPS Gallery is pleased to present Prodip’s solo exhibition Odd Fellas, on view at the gallery’s Hong Kong location in LANDMARK ATRIUM. The show features a series of new paintings, prints, and sculptures in the artist’s playful dark humour. By tracing back to the myths and legends of ancient cultures, Prodip shed light on his worldview. He believes aliens had a strong tie with ancient civilisations and shaped the world as we know it today. Prodip uses art as a vehicle to spread “the messages from outer space” whilst inviting the audience to probe their preconceived notions of existence within the pre-existing framework.

Draconian Agenda, 2021, acrylic on canvas, 56 by 81.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and JPS Gallery
Draconian Agenda, 2021, acrylic on canvas, 56 by 81.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and JPS Gallery

Prodip’s artistic style is influenced by the unique eclectic culture of Hong Kong, stemming from local manhua, Japanese manga, street culture, indie and British rock music, shaping the artist’s unique line drawing technique coupled with his inherent rebelliousness. Prodip’s subjects came from his personal UFO and spirit sightings earlier in life. These encounters sparked his interest and extensive research in extraterrestrial and supernatural phenomena. Applying these topics with Eastern and Western philosophies results in Prodip’s often humorous take on traditional ideas towards life and human existence.

The new series of paintings and sculptures represent Prodip’s ability to create haunting imagery in an esoteric light, one that is unexplainable within the realm of science and religion. Through his art, Prodip put forward the inter-dimensional qualities of everyday life, inviting the audience to think beyond the box.

Prodip, POG fever, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 40.5 by 40.5 cm
Prodip, POG fever, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 40.5 by 40.5 cm

Odd Fellas is a continuation of Prodip’s exploration of extraterrestrial life and stories of ancient civilisations. Using his rebellious spirit and dark humour, Prodip presents the myths and legends he sees onto his canvases.

Prodip, Zetans, 2018, Acrylic on canvas, 34.5 by 40 cm ; 38.5 by 44.5 cm framed
Prodip, Zetans, 2018, Acrylic on canvas, 34.5 by 40 cm ; 38.5 by 44.5 cm framed

About Prodip

Painter, illustrator and graphic designer, Prodip is one of the most versatile artists in Hong Kong. His experimental works span across mediums, cultures and philosophies, creating compelling visual imagery that is populated by mythical monsters, aliens and spiritual beings. Using line art drawing methods, Prodip depicts aliens and ancient civilisations through his eyes.

Prodip’s artistic oeuvre is influenced by street culture and indie music, especially British rock bands such as Bauhaus and The Sisters of Mercy. His works are a marriage of the rebellious spirit and dark humour, using supernatural creatures to reflect on human lives and philosophies.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Prodip has been a critical figure in the Hong Kong underground arts since the 1980s. Before being involved in art and music, he studied in the Design First Institute of Art and worked as a graphic designer in an advertising agency and fashion company. Prodip started his visual art career in designing underground concert posters, flyers and CD covers, later working with international and local pop and indie musicians.

Prodip, Serpent Dream, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 50 by 60 cm
Prodip, Serpent Dream, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 50 by 60 cm

Established in Hong Kong (2014) and in Tokyo (2018), JPS Gallery is an independent contemporary art gallery presenting works of emerging and established artists from around the world.

The gallery was founded with a passionate spirit that dedicates to the new digital age and the exploration of fine art and pop culture. We aim to create an innovative environment for a new generation of artists and collectors, fostering a creative space for all. We focus on fun and playful works of the era that span across different medium and disciplines, showcasing a discerning selection of works that embody the aesthetics of today.

We are committed to supporting the culture and art scene both in Hong Kong and Japan, creating a vibrant local art community. The gallery regularly presents works of emerging artists in our gallery spaces in Hong Kong and Tokyo as well as international art fairs, giving them a platform to gain global exposure and supporting young artists to launch their careers. JPS has also been an active contributor to society and the local art scene by sponsoring various charity events and auctions.

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