Datuk Gong 拿督公 by Zhao Hong

Datuk Gong 拿督公 is an A3 Risograph print inspired by the evolving spiritual beliefs of the Chinese Malaysian diaspora. As Chinese immigrants settled in the Malay Archipelago, their worship of Earth deities adapted to local customs. The land spirits they encountered were not Chinese in appearance or practice—Datuk Gong often does not wear traditional Chinese attire and may even take on non-human forms such as crocodiles, anthills, or tigers. Unlike Chinese deities, he does not consume pork or alcohol, but favors cigarettes, turmeric rice with curry, and black coffee.

This work reflects on how beliefs transform through migration, hybridity, and the quiet persistence of sacred presence. When Pokémon GO designated many Datuk Gong shrines as PokéStops, it unexpectedly revived public attention to these once-overlooked spiritual sites.

Illustrated by Zhao Hong

297(w) x 420(h) mm (A3)
Printed on Munken Polar Rough 170gsm
5 Colours Risograph
Edition of 40

This piece is part of an exhibition that tours around Asia.

Belief It or Not 非普通信仰 is an exhibition, organised by to_ press, exploring how faith and folk rituals are reimagined in today’s world—shaped by technology, marketing, and everyday urban life.