Don Mak Exhibition Oriental Celebration

The Hong Kong native artist has been commissioned by the hotel to create an illustrated Guangzhou city map. Backed by the artist’s and the hotel’s joint effort of surveying the city, the serene digital drawing depicts striking architectures (including the exterior and interior of the hotel itself), must-see attractions, and famous local dining spots in Guangzhou—the modern, sprawling metropolis situated in the heart of the historical Canton Region. Meticulously painted by hand with the artist’s evocative watercolor style, then rendered digitally, the work showcases visual combinations with a nuanced color palette, skilled stroke works and nostalgic atmosphere. In this monumental ode to the city where his family roots laid deep, the artist features quotidian motifs native to the region on the pleasantly detail-oriented map, and likens this process to a kind of witnessing, a deliberate and deeply personal way of discovering and understanding the essence of Canton living. The digital art piece is on display in the format of artist-signed limited-edition prints.

Born, raised, and trained in Hong Kong, Don Mak is now one of the best-known figures in the local illustration field. Mak said his career somehow parallels one of a skilled Cantonese chef: productive, versatile, and deeply dependent on the materials sourced from the local and culture. A series of artworks originated from the artist’s previous commercial, governmental, and educational projects in Hong Kong is involved in the exhibition. Stamped with the artist’s admiration towards the sophisticated, complex and ultimately pleasurable Canton ways of being, the works are filled with ornately constructed scenes depicting Canton life: Neighborhood rejoicing at the traditional Tin Hau’s birthday festivities, bustling Yum Cha restaurant and all the intricate delicacies it produces, tranquil harbor views against the modern skyline, and people—the hard-working, joy-spreading, sea-loving local people. Layered with grand overviews and the darling close-ups, Mak’s drawings radiant unqualified joy and spark warm enthusiasm for the region, its pop culture and rich history. The exhibition also displays a body of works depicting popular destinations of the United Kingdom by the artist. Inspired by the artist’s recent urban explorations, the works resonate historical signifiers as well as deep, personal sensibility.

‘Celebration’ could not be more apt for the presentation’s key word. Not only many of the exhibited works are inspired by festive events, Don Mak’s creative journey also travels through Hong Kong, London, and Guangzhou, where the brand of Mandarin Oriental is thoroughly celebrated. Organized on the occasion of the Guangzhou hotel’s 11th anniversary, it’s delightful to see the commissioned art map highlights the connection between the hotel and the city and communities it resides in.

About the Artist

Don Mak is an illustrator born and raised in Hong Kong and is now based in the UK. The passion and artistry bloomed early. At 16, he left school and joined the local comic talents. He later continued his studies in arts and design, enriching the wealth of knowledge and skills gained in the working years. In 2009, he graduated with First Class Honours in BA (Hons) in Design – Visual Communication from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After graduation, Mak started as a freelance illustrator, and he later founded the DONMAK & CO. illustration studio in 2016. The studio has collaborated with clients from commercial brands, magazines, publishers, advertising agencies and organizations.