We recently sat down for part two of our collaboration with Natalie Sze Wai Ho, a Toronto-based artist with deep roots in Hong Kong. Her work seamlessly blends cultural identity, personal experience, and societal exploration, drawing from her diverse background in dance, scenic art, and painting. In this conversation, we dive into her creative process, her HOME.KONG series exploring diaspora and belonging, and her distinctive ability to fuse vibrant color palettes with emotional storytelling. Through her art, Natalie invites us to reflect on identity, relationships, and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural landscapes.
“Delicate Defiance”2024 Oil on canvas,48”x 24” inches
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become an artist.
A: I graduated with a BFA Honours from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2020. Dance has been central to my life since I was three, and through my work as Head Scenic Artist, I saw how visual art could convey emotions and narratives. My time at institutions like the Royal Opera House and National Theatre further shaped my passion for art. Now, as a painter, my experiences across different art forms have helped me develop a unique voice.
Q: In your HOME.KONG series, you explore cultural identity and belonging. How can art bridge cultural gaps, and what do you hope viewers take from it?
A: In my HOME.KONG series, I’ve gained a fresh understanding of my identity and belonging. Art is a universal language that creates empathy across cultures. What makes a place “home” isn’t just its physical features, but the connections with others. I want viewers to reflect on their own sense of belonging and realize that while cultural experiences differ, we all share the need for connection and community.
“Nocturne。晚”,2023, Acrylic on wood panel,14*11 inches
Q: Your art portrays women challenging societal norms—what drives you to focus on this, and how do you make their stories resonate broadly?
A: I focus on portraying women breaking free from societal expectations because I believe no one should be confined to predefined roles. Growing up in a traditional Asian family, I observed the limitations placed on women. These personal experiences shape my work, which explores autonomy, defiance, and self-expression. Though personal, I aim to make these themes resonate universally by addressing emotions and experiences that transcend cultural boundaries, empowering viewers to question imposed norms.
Q: How have Hong Kong and Toronto shaped your artistic perspective, and how do you incorporate these contrasting cultures into your work?
A: Living in Hong Kong and Toronto has deeply influenced my artistic identity. Toronto’s multicultural vibrancy has inspired my exploration of human connection, while Hong Kong’s fast-paced environment and architectural density have shaped my approach to space and light. Both cities blend together in my art, allowing me to fuse the reflective qualities of Toronto with the energy of Hong Kong, speaking to both personal identity and universal themes.
Top to Bottom: “Whispers of Scars”,2024, Oil on panel,12”x16”inches: “Sweet poison”,2024, Oil on canvas,16”x20“inches: “Sugarcoat”,2024
Oil on wood panel, 8”x10” inches
Q: Your recent work explores love languages and the Buddhist concept of 緣 (predestined affinity). How do these philosophies influence the emotional tone of your art?
A: My series “Joy Amidst Pain” explores the Buddhist concept of 緣 and love languages. I believe every encounter happens for a reason and contributes to personal growth. This duality of pain and joy is reflected in my work. Love languages, especially in the context of my Asian background, shape my desire to convey affection subtly. These themes invite viewers to connect with the complexities of life, love, and the beauty found in both joyful and painful moments.
Q: How do your backgrounds in scenic art and dance influence your work, and do you incorporate movement or theatrical elements?
A: My background in scenic art and dance informs my understanding of movement, space, and emotional expression. Elements like hands and ribbons in my work suggest movement and connection. My scenic art background also influences how I use light and color, much like stage lighting shapes a performance’s mood. These elements bring energy and storytelling power to my art, blending motion and expression in unique ways.
Q: Vibrant colors and intricate details are signatures of your style. What inspired this approach?
A: I’ve always been drawn to intricate details since I started painting at 13. Over time, I’ve learned to simplify certain aspects, but I still embed subtle, hidden details. Vibrant neon colors became prominent in my “Home.Kong” series, reflecting Hong Kong’s neon-lit streets and urban energy. This approach has become my signature, combining personal history with the dynamic world around me.
Q: Did revisiting your work through critique deepen your understanding of your emotions or ideas?
A: Yes, revisiting my work through critique often reveals deeper layers. For example, the goldfish in my painting represents both my childhood and a deeply emotional space. Art brings out our inner world in ways we may not always be aware of, and revisiting it helps uncover meanings we didn’t consciously intend.
Q: Were there any elements of the piece that surprised you during the critique process, either in their impact or interpretation?
A: Yes, there were surprising elements. For example, when I included the goldfish in the painting, I suddenly realized that it wasn’t just a random image—it’s tied to childhood memories. Every time I paint goldfish, I rarely paint just one or two. This may stem from my family background, as I have siblings. Although the painting is meant to express something personal about myself, I also realized that I don’t feel lonely. On my creative journey, I’ve come to understand that not everyone will fully grasp my inner world. However, through the process of creating, I’ve found that I’m not drawn to dark colors or to emphasizing strong, intense emotions. Instead, I tend to leave a lot of open space, and the composition remains calm rather than overly dramatic.
In terms of critique, yes, elements of my work did surprise me. These discoveries have influenced the way my work is interpreted and, ultimately, my own understanding of it.
As our conversation with Natalie Sze Wai Ho concludes, we are left with a deeper appreciation for how her work invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to identity, culture, and community. Through her vibrant and emotionally rich art, Natalie continues to bridge cultural divides and challenge societal norms, making her emerging voice one to watch in the contemporary art scene. We look forward to seeing how her exploration of love, belonging, and self-expression evolves in the future. Stay tuned for more from this remarkable artist, as she continues to share her vision with the world.
To see more of Natalie Sze Wai's incredible work and stay updated on her latest projects, be sure to follow her on Instagram and visit her website!
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