An intergenerational preview led by Cathy Chui Lee has set the tone for the Hong Kong debut of the Henderson Land x Cj Hendry Flower Market, as 160 children and elderly participants were invited to experience the immersive installation ahead of its official opening at the Central Harbourfront.
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The preview, personally hosted by Chui alongside artist Cj Hendry, marked a community-focused start to the exhibition, which will run from March 19 to 22 as part of the city’s Art March program.
The early engagement reflects a broader intention to position the project not only as a visual spectacle, but as a shared cultural experience that brings different generations together.
A community-first approach to art engagement
Presented by Henderson Land as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Flower Market extends beyond a conventional exhibition format.
The preview session for children and elderly visitors underscores a deliberate effort to make art more inclusive and accessible, creating moments of connection across age groups.
Rather than limiting the experience to passive viewing, the event encourages interaction and emotional engagement, allowing visitors to move through the installation at their own pace while sharing the experience with others.
This approach also reflects a growing trend in Hong Kong’s cultural programming, where large-scale installations are increasingly designed to foster participation and community bonding.
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A tactile flower world shaped by place and identity
At the heart of the exhibition is a collection of more than 26 plush flower sculptures, created by Hendry to transform familiar botanical forms into soft, oversized artworks.
Visitors begin their journey in a green hedge maze, where glimpses of large-scale floral installations gradually emerge, before entering a greenhouse-like pavilion filled with vibrant fabric blooms. The layout creates a sense of progression, guiding visitors from curiosity into full immersion.
For the Hong Kong edition, two exclusive works have been introduced to anchor the exhibition in local context.
One piece draws inspiration from the allium flower, designated as the “Henderson Flower,” symbolizing unity, resilience and continuity. The work visually connects with an existing allium sculpture near The Henderson, reinforcing a dialogue between art and the surrounding urban environment.
Another work is based on the bauhinia, a widely recognized emblem of Hong Kong. Its form subtly echoes the architectural lines of The Henderson, highlighting the relationship between organic design and the city’s built landscape.
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A moment of pause within the city
Hendry’s work balances precision with playfulness, and the use of plush materials softens the visual impact of the installations, making them approachable while inviting imaginative engagement.
The greenhouse setting creates a temporary retreat from the pace of the city, offering visitors a space to slow down and reconnect with a sense of lightness and curiosity. The experience is designed to be fleeting yet memorable, allowing visitors to step into a different rhythm before returning to everyday life.
Extending the experience through taste
Beyond the visual installation, the event also incorporates a culinary element. Peridot, located within The Henderson, is presenting a selection of light bites on-site, along with a specially created non-alcoholic “Henderson Mocktail.”
The addition of food and beverage offerings encourages visitors to linger, adding another layer to the experience and reinforcing the exhibition’s lifestyle-oriented approach.
