Light Up

CUE, 2018 


As submission for the first issue of CUE, an independent publication featuring comics by local Beijing artists, I created a short 15 page graphic novel called Light Up.

Set in Hong Kong, the character is based on my grandfather with the story spun out of his ritualistic smoking routine. I was inspired by the fascinating way he would light his pipe, which ignited a sense of old fashion and class within the background of classic 90s Hong Kong architect. 

While making this comic, I stayed with my grandfather for a few weeks, studying him closely and following him to neighbourhood cafes and parks. Adding visual influence from Wong Kar Wai’s poetic films, this was a project close to heart.