ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Isaac Chong Wai's 'An Intimate Surrender' at Tai Kwun Explores Queer Grief and Falling

exhibition · 2026-07-10

Isaac Chong Wai's inaugural solo live art exhibition, 'An Intimate Surrender,' will be showcased at Tai Kwun JC Contemporary in Hong Kong from July 10 to August 9, 2026. This event, commissioned by Tai Kwun, signifies a return for the artist, who was born in Hong Kong and has resided in Germany since 2013. The exhibition is inspired by Lilian Lee's 1985 novel 'Farewell My Concubine,' delving into themes of homoeroticism and gender fluidity within the context of 20th-century Chinese political upheaval. An all-male ensemble performs choreographed falls accompanied by music from Nobutaka Shomura, set against steel scaffolding from Chong's 'Touched' series (2026). Additionally, a nearby gallery serves as a rehearsal space, further examining selfhood as a constructed facade, building on Chong's exploration of communal care from his previous work 'Falling Reversely' (2021/24).

Key facts

  • Isaac Chong Wai's 'An Intimate Surrender' is on view at Tai Kwun JC Contemporary, Hong Kong, from July 10 to August 9, 2026.
  • The exhibition is commissioned by Tai Kwun and marks Chong's solo live art debut.
  • Chong has lived in Germany since 2013, making this a homecoming.
  • The work draws on Lilian Lee's 1985 novel 'Farewell My Concubine' and its film adaptation by Chen Kaige.
  • The novel's story involves Peking opera actors Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, exploring homoeroticism and gender fluidity.
  • The performance features an all-male troupe moving to a score by Nobutaka Shomura.
  • The set includes steel scaffolding from Chong's 'Touched' series (2026) with mirrors and blue-tinted glass.
  • An adjacent gallery presents a rehearsal space with silk curtains, hairpins, and pearls.
  • Chong's earlier work 'Falling Reversely' (2021/24) also explored falling and communal care.

Entities

Artists

  • Isaac Chong Wai
  • Lilian Lee
  • Chen Kaige
  • Leslie Cheung
  • Nobutaka Shomura
  • Annette Meier

Institutions

  • Tai Kwun JC Contemporary
  • Tai Kwun
  • ArtAsiaPacific
  • Tai Kwun Contemporary
  • JC Contemporary

Locations

  • Hong Kong
  • Germany
  • Berlin

Sources