Offgod offerings

Social media has allowed artists to display their works to the public without the need for a physical exhibition.

And after they become popular in the virtual world, they have a chance to make their name in the physical one.

Shout Art Hub & Gallery in Hysan Place is hosting Hello! My Name is Offgod, a solo exhibition for emerging digital artist Andrew Mok, until March 17.

Though only 17, the international-school student has already made an impact on social media. His Instagram account, under the name Offgod, has more than 200,000 followers.

For the exhibition, digital images he created from 2019 to 2021 have been turned into physical prints and displayed alongside drawings from his sketchbook, which he used to record daily experiences.

Not bad for something that began as just a fun activity. "I started off my accounts keeping a low profile without letting even my friends or family know," Mok said.

As for the name Offgod, it has a hidden meaning divided into two parts. "Off" refers to the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh's streetwear brand, Off White. Mok has a passion for fashion and is planning to launch his own fashion label soon.

And "god" is not a sign of arrogance but a nod to the most important aspect of art - "the word invites creative freedom with the hope of making art without boundaries," Mok said.

The teenager has been drawing since he was young.

"My artworks are a fusion of anime and cartoons influenced by childhood memories. I was attracted to cartoons for their vivid images. One of my early practices was copying cartoon characters, which boosted my creative thinking."

On top of this cartoonish style, Mok applied aspects of his other interests: fashion, pop art, hip-hop and especially rap music, introduced to him by his brother.

One thing he loves making is album covers for rappers. His first was for the song Reminds Me of You by the duo The Kid Laroi and Juice WRLD.

He then expanded his repertoire with other works for Justin Bieber, Future and Miley Cyrus, gaining him international recognition.

He even signed with Juice WRLD's record label, Grade A Productions, last year.

As his art matured, Mok "added elements such as the star in the eye to make the works recognizable" on top of his unique shading style.

With this hard-earned success, Mok said: "I'm still new to this world but I hope my experience can inspire young people or other freelance artists to take the risk to pursue their dreams and have the courage to try out social media, this free space."

When he graduates from high school, he plans to study art and possibly fashion design in the United States.

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