Ellen Yiu: ‘There’s so much within us that’s universal’

Lining Revealed

The exhibition, titled Lining Revealed: A Journey Through Folk Wisdom and Contemporary Vision, explores the intersection of traditional textile crafts and contemporary artistic expression. “The museum focuses on preserving traditional textile techniques and textile crafts, while also engaging in the dialogue of contemporary art,” Ellen explains. “I also show wooden objects and ceramics — a combination of existing work and works commissioned by the museum.” 

For Ellen, it marks a special milestone: her first time exhibiting in Hong Kong — and the first opportunity for her family to see her work in person. “ The exhibition was beautifully curated,” she says. “It begins with a wide perspective and gradually leads visitors towards a more intimate setting. My work was installed in the final space.” She is evidently happy and proud to share that the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Commissioned works

Ellen created two new works specifically for the exhibition. This World and the Next is made of joss paper — also known as incense paper — traditionally burned as an offering in Chinese ancestral worship. She transformed the material into a woven installation, handstitched and folded individually. “People immediately recognised the material,” Ellen notes, “but it was displaced from its traditional context.”

This sense of symbolic displacement also informed her second piece: a translucent quilt infused with Chinese medicinal herbs. “Each square represents a day’s dose of medication,” she says. “It’s a visual translation of the experience of taking traditional Chinese medicine.” She smiles. “The herbs are very aromatic, so the first thing you notice about the piece is its smell.”

The exhibition in Hong Kong was significant for Ellen on multiple levels. ‘It was an important introduction to the Hong Kong art scene, which I wasn’t very familiar with. And it became a great bonding experience. The thirteen artists involved are a diverse group — some are self-taught, others are trained craftspeople who’ve gone through traditional apprenticeships. Being away from my usual environment for a month really made me reflect on what matters most to me.” 

An open perspective

Ellen left Hong Kong at age twelve to attend boarding school in the UK. “I’ve now lived abroad for more than half of my life,” she reflects. “That gives you a more complex relationship with your identity, but also a broader outlook thanks to the exposure to different cultures. I feel lucky to draw from such varied inspirations. It’s important to keep an open perspective — you can find inspiration in many places.”

Her own diverse cultural experience often draws her to traditional media and techniques — forms that carry shared origins and layered histories. “What we now consider traditional was once contemporary,” she adds with a smile. “I’m inspired by traditional techniques, but I always try to use them with care and respect.”

A powerful affirmation

While she’s open to new horizons, Ellen isn’t planning to leave The Hague anytime soon. “I really value the community here. At the moment, I’m content to have the space and time to deepen my work.”

From November through March, Ellen focused intensively on the commissioned works for Hong Kong. In early March, she held a solo show at …ism Project Space in The Hague, and throughout the month, her work was also on view at Pictura in Dordrecht, and Kunstruimte in Almere. She is now looking forward to upcoming exhibitions at NDSM Fuse in Amsterdam.

The Piket Art Prize has been a meaningful boost — both practically and emotionally. “Thanks to the award, I was able to buy a new sewing machine, and I’m still thinking about getting a loom. Having the right tools really supports my practice. I also want to take a jewellery-making course.”

Ellen sees the Piket Art Prize as a powerful affirmation of her journey. “Being an artist can feel lonely. You’re making things that are raw, things that expose your vulnerability. So being seen and acknowledged really means a lot. I think many people understand the struggle to find your own path and make sense of who you are. I try to channel those feelings into my work in ways that others might recognise. We are all unique — but there’s so much within us that is universal.”

Photo: Dana LaMonda
Text: Anna Beerens