Malaysian artist gets chance to hone artistic practice in EU

'I want to take this opportunity to consolidate my past projects into a larger cohesive practice, and find a balance between object-based art making and research-led projects,' says Hoo about his upcoming residency at Helsinki International Artist Programme (HIAP) in Finland. - HOO FAN CHON

Malaysian artist Hoo Fan Chon was born into a fisherman's family that regularly hosted and attended seafood banquets. Fish has always been a mainstay in his diet, and has also become a recurring motif in the 39-year-old Malaysian’s practice.

This year, Hoo will be given the opportunity to research the plating aesthetic and the obsession of live fish, typical of Chinese culture. He will also explore Finland's fish culture, consumption habits and industry.