Anchored for decades in the harbor at Aberdeen, the now sunken Jumbo Floating Restaurant is renowned as one of the most magnificent of its kind in the world, and has been a long-standing iconic tourist attraction, as well as an integral part of Hongkongers’ beautiful collective memory.
In commemoration of the sad loss of this distinguished vessel, five local artists will be presenting a Jumbo Kingdom digital exhibition named “Our ‘Jumbo’ Story” at Aberdeen Center between 3 September and 4 October. The five artists, Chocolate Rain, Felix Ip, Messy Desk, Pen So and No Paper Studio, will be sharing their experiences and memories of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant through their artwork on display in the shopping mall.
“For me, the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is like a luxuriously decorated castle floating on the sea,” shares the artist from No Paper Studio. “It looks especially stunning at night when its multi-colored lights appear to be dancing in the water.”
Reminiscent of an old-school movie poster, the painting was inspired by a scene from the local boxoffice hit movie, “God of Cookery”. The artist was careful in maintaining a balance between the actors and the winning dishes in the cooking competition, without sacrificing the splendor of the boat.
“Through my painting, I hope to preserve the disappearing elements which resonate with Hong Kong people,” he continues. “We should always remind ourselves to cherish what we have, and not take anything for granted.”
“The rich decor and lavish interior design of the Jumbo as depicted in the movie “God of Cookery” have left an indelible mark in my memory,” the artist from Chocolate Rain recalls. “These days, unfortunately, it would be extremely difficult to find such intricately crafted palace-inspired motifs anywhere.”
For the artist, the Jumbo is treasured as a companion to successive generations of Hong kongers, and a silent witness to the evolvement of the old fishing port of Aberdeen. The Jumbo saga underscores the importance of conservation, as well as his belief that heritage items do not necessarily have to give way to the new.
Visitors to the exhibition at Aberdeen Center can redeem “Our ‘Jumbo’ Story” DIY lanterns or postcards (A set of 5) for free with designated purchases.
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“Our ‘Jumbo’ Story” digital exhibition
Date: 3 September to 4 October 2022
Address: G/F, Aberdeen Center Phase 4, Nanning Street, Aberdeen
Tel: 2553 0860
Website: www.achongkong.com
