JPS Gallery is honoured to present "Seeds of Wishes," a solo exhibition showcasing the artistic universe of thirteen-year-old Yat Long. As the culmination of his Wish Journey with Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, this showcase represents the realisation of Yat Long's long-held wish to host his own art exhibition.

Finding Sanctuary in a Sketchbook

In 2023, Yat Long was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, EBV NK LPD (Epstein-Barr Virus–Associated Natural Killer Cell Lymphoproliferative Disease). Amidst intensive care and chemotherapy, his sketchbook became a vital refuge. Seeking to transform this passion into a reality, Yat Long wished to hold an art exhibition after applying for Make-A-Wish Hong Kong's service in 2025. To protect his compromised immune system during recovery, he replaced his standard coloured pencils with black markers. This adjustment forged the distinct visual signature that unites his early body of work. By granting Yat Long’s heartfelt wish, Make-A-Wish Hong Kong provided a turning point in his battle against illness, offering the inner strength and resilience to move beyond the hospital walls. The resulting exhibition unfolds across a series of interconnected visual narratives, moving fluidly from his immediate medical reality to the vast expanses of his imagination.

Hospital Antics & Creative Mischief

The opening narrative plunges viewers into Yat Long's daily life inside the hospital, characterised by creative mischief. Yat Long wielded humour as a coping mechanism to conquer fear and navigate the daunting clinical environment. He reimagined his medical team as active participants in a sprawling and playful universe. He transformed the sting of daily needles into epic battles against a formidable "Syringe Squad" and envisioned dodging nurses as though he were navigating a classic arcade game. The frustration of hospital confinement was diffused through elaborate pranks, such as sketching a fictitious "Roast and Boil Chi Kong Party" to serve his doctors as soup. His phlebotomists became friendly adversaries in battles over drawn blood, culminating in Yat Long declaring himself the victor.

Step into Yat Long’s Circle of Friends

Contrasting the hospital antics, a second series acts as a tribute to the family, caretakers, and classmates who provided continuous encouragement. Through these works, Yat Long introduces visitors to his peers in "Time Machine - Future University," where he envisions his classmates growing into future scientists, superheroes, and artists, and hopes their bonds remain strong no matter where life takes them. This homage culminates in the special piece "Where is George?", a radiant painting capturing the pure happiness of laughing among his dearest friends.

How Brighter Days Brought Brighter Hues

The exhibition then transitions into a vibrant celebration of tomorrow, mirroring his return to health as his condition stabilised, allowing him to introduce fluorescent paints and bold acrylics into his practice. Viewers will witness his heartfelt personal aspirations—such as passing immunity tests to finally savouring raw sushi and interacting with dogs—alongside grand utopian visions, including a high-speed railway connecting Hong Kong to Japan and the "Underwater University", a sculptural piece where humans, sea creatures, and anthropomorphic animals collaborate to build a better world. This renewed vitality bursts forth in a glowing series of canvas works, and the poignant evolution ultimately crystallises in "Hands: Now and Future". Rendered in brilliant hues, the same hands once documented as sites of pain now proudly bear their scars and are shown as vital tools of creation, affirming his power to build his own bright destiny and make his dreams come true.

Exclusive Charity A4 Folder Sets and Zipper Pouch

In the spirit of continuing Yat Long’s message of love and hope, his original artwork is beautifully showcased on an exclusive A4 folder set and zipper pouch. All proceeds from these commemorative items will be donated to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong. Available both at the exhibition and online, your purchase directly supports the foundation in making life-changing wishes happen for other children facing critical illnesses.

A Special Collaboration with CASETiFY

Carrying Yat Long’s story beyond the gallery walls, JPS Gallery and Make-A-Wish Hong Kong have partnered with CASETiFY to debut a special collection of phone cases featuring his original designs. In honour of his joyful determination and to continue the cycle of support, all net proceeds from the collection will be donated to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong to help fulfil the wishes of other children battling critical illnesses. This collection will be available exclusively at CASETiFY from April 30 for one month only.

Where Do We Go from Here?

"Seeds of Wishes" stands as a luminous reminder of art's capacity to heal and transform. By sharing his journey from the confines of a hospital room to the limitless expanse of his imagination, Yat Long invites viewers to experience the world through his resilient lens. In this spirit of shared hope, JPS Gallery and Make-A-Wish Hong Kong warmly welcome visitors to witness this inspiring collection, celebrating a young artist who has drawn his way toward a vibrant, boundless future.