HOL, an acronym referring to a complex high-level mathematical theory “Higher Order Logic”, was etched on an ancient marble in a Jewish burial site which Hasanul stumbled upon in Penang, Malaysia. The artist ascribed his own meaning and interpretation to the acronym to be read as “Higher Order Love” within his practice. The HOL universe, read as a manifesto of eternal and unconditional love, is informed by Hasanul’s personal experience, life events and rites of passage.
Continuing his autobiographical narration, HOL: Scab: Crying Tiger In The Night Market presents familiar subjects, such as cooking paraphernalia and ingredients, that are commonly found in the kitchen, which the artist considers as “the heart of the house” as it nurtures the growth of its occupants. This body of works focuses on the chaotic and brutal cooking process to draw parallels to the complexities of contemporary life, as the symbol of a cooking knife hints at the use of knives in fights, hunting and surgery. HOL: Scab: Crying Tiger In The Night Market is considered the artist’s contemplation of the life cycle, death, family ancestry and origins and his relationship with these aspects of life.