Milano Chow

Milano Chow’s practice explores sites and scenarios where reality and its constructs meet. Her intricately detailed drawings combine precise graphite renderings and collaged photo transfers, creating imaginary architectures and framed narratives that elicit stage sets. Based on architectural elevations and antiques, her recent drawings include ornate facades and elaborate clocks, often haunted by the presence of female figures, enhancing the implied voyeuristic nature of her work. Although influenced by the tradition of trompe l’oeil, Chow’s drawings defy true illusionism. Within her surreal compositions, framing elements such as windows and doors create an echo of pictures within pictures. These visual punctures within her otherwise shallow compositions are often obscured by darkness, suggesting the proximity of a nearby unknown.