A neighborhood is more than just buildings and streets - it is shaped by the residents and even animals that share the space.
Led by Chan Po-fung, founder of Playback Concept, the team crafted 10 artworks inspired by the neighborhood's history and stories gathered from local residents.
Luk Wai-ming, a longtime resident who worked in Kowloon Funeral Parlour, said his most vivid memory of Dai Yi was of him opening a brick of butter. Having a special appetite for butter, Dai Yi learned to open the package by standing on the butter brick with one foot and using the other to undo the aluminum wrapping foil.
In 2021 a car accident tragically killed Dai Yi at 14 years old, leaving a lasting scar for residents who loved the dog."Funerals are a way to properly say goodbye to those who have passed. But I felt like I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to Dai Yi," said Luk.
Chan used metal to recreate Dai Yi's body in the form of zhizha, a type of paper art used in traditional Chinese funerals to honor the deceased. For the finishing touches, he covered Dai Yi's body with a piece of aluminum foil from his favorite butter. "Traditionally, zhizha is made of bamboo and paper. But I chose metal to create something enduring," said Chan."I hope this serves as a lasting memento for Luk and the neighbors who loved Dai Yi."
Past Time Traveling transforms the memories of Tai Kok Tsui native Tso Hsi-shun into a layered artwork. The multi-dimensional work blends elements of Ming Kei College, Olympian City, and Fu Tor Loy Shopping Centre - places where Tso spent time during his teenage years. It resembles the architecture of these landmarks while also reflecting Tso's personal connection to them. In one angle, you can see the interior of a teahouse that he owns in Tai Kok Tsui."It was like preserving Tso's personal memories," explained Chan. "It connects three dimensions, documenting his memories at different times."
A bigger picture of the exhibition focuses on the changing landscapes of Tai Kok Tsui over the decades.The Coastline, a cloth and bamboo installation, offers a visual exploration of the transformations to the area's shoreline since the 1870s. "Tai Kok Tsui was once mainly a fishing village, and the change in its coastline tells the story of industrialization and land reclamation," said Chan.
The exhibition serves as part of the RE: Tai Kok Tsui project, which includes a series of activities focusing on reinforcing community memories and art.Move on to TKT is on display at 1/F, 100 Bedford Road, Tai Kok Tsui, until December 31.
