Have you ever dreamed of being able to just sit around doing nothing? While that might be difficult, given our hectic work schedules and obligations, we can live vicariously through Mr.Donothing.
Created by Korean illustrator Cho Hee-jae, Mr.Donothing is stationed at Gallery by the Harbour in the Living like a Mr.Donothing Hong Kong Solo Exhibition.
Cho recalled: "I was lying on the sofa watching television one day. After watching it for a while, I turned off the television and the black screen reflected my figure lying on the sofa. Inspired, I drew him and he became Mr.Donothing.
"He began as a doodle, but as more and more people felt resonated with Mr.Donothing's everyday stories and found him interesting, I continued to create Mr.Donothing illustrations."
Any cubicle rat would identify with Tired. Mr.Donothing sits in the middle of a documents-filled desk with a mug of coffee. Drink cans and a receipt peep out of one of his drawers. The illustration oozes with a sense of exhaustion.
"I didn't give my character a unique color or form so he can represent everyone in the world. I hope that anyone can see themselves in Mr.Donothing," said Cho.
The effect of the pandemic can be seen in Cho's work.
For Chapter.01 Infected2020, Cho created different scenes from our memories of the pandemic.
An empty bowl and chopsticks on the desk and a beer or two on the side in Work from home, and drinking wine with friends through screens in What a dinner are reminders of the home-bound lifestyle that we have got used to. Canceled trip sees the monochrome character halfway through packing his trip to Hawaii with a large duck floatie and a beach ball as he sees news of flight cancellations.
Shopping shows the early aftermath of the pandemic. Shops are closing and Mr.Donothing brings home groceries and only two rolls of toilet paper on his skateboard.
Also part of the series is Cho's favorite work from the exhibition, Party is Over. Hidden in the illustration are movie posters such as Kill Bill and album covers such as Nirvana's Nevermind and Frank Ocean's Blonde.
"That is because when I create, I like to add things I enjoy in my work. This work has my favorite movie and music. When my fans tell me 'I like this too!' I feel very happy as we like the same things."
Cho has also created an illustration for this exhibition, which is shown exclusively in the gallery.
"This opportunity to exhibit at Gallery by the Harbour reminded me of my memories of Hong Kong. That is why I drew a Mr.Donothing sitting on the ferry enjoying the breeze," Cho said.
Hong Kong holds a special place in the creator's heart as he was part of the Hong Kong International Licensing Show in the first year of Mr.Donothing's genesis.
"Although Mr.Donothing brings a lot of trouble and work, once those troubles are solved, I always feel like I have grown and after all those troubles is a good payoff," he said.
"My fans like my work and it felt like they understood what was troubling me in the beginning. This motivates me to create an always-growing Mr.Donothing."
Living like a Mr.Donothing Hong Kong Solo Exhibition will run until August 11. Limited merchandise is also available to buy if you want to bring home a piece of Mr.Donothing.
