Artist in Residency at Hakka Life Experience Village
@ Lai Chi Wo

On 4-31 January 2024, I participated in an artist in residency at Hakka Life Experience Village @ Lai Chi Wo, initiated by The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation. It offered on-site spaces for the artists, where the natural ecology of Lai Chi Wo serves as a catalyst for innovative thought and provides an environment for creation.  

Lai Chi Wo, situated in Sha Tau Kok in North East New Territories, is a part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geo-park, was established about 400 years ago by Hakka clans. Despite facing depopulation, Lai Chi Wo has seen a revival through sustainable agriculture and ecotourism initiatives, making it a fascinating blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting visitors seeking to experience rural Hong Kong's tranquil side and historical charm.

Throughout January, I spent 3-4 days each week residing in the village. Immersing myself in the ways of Lai Chi Wo, I engaged in farming, took hikes, conversed with the locals, and practiced meditation. Such opportunities are seldom found for an urban dweller such as myself. I took in views of the ocean and mountains, observed the wildlife and flora, felt the air and soil, explored dwellings and remnants, and watched the interactions between this community and visitors. These rich experiences fueled my creation of the following two sets of art.

In the video work, 'Home and Far Afield’, I conducted interviews with various members of the Lai Chi Wo community, including original inhabitants, newcomers, farmers, and workers, delving into their individual stories and thoughts about the village. Our discussions centered on themes such as conservation, tourism, development, and expectations of Lai Chi Wo. The narration for these interviews was voiced by Chun Chun, the sole child living in the village at present. Through a mutual exchange of perspectives, they collaboratively envisioned potential futures for Lai Chi Wo.

For the photo work, ‘Composition in Cyan’, This series of cyanotype works capture the shapes of weeds with sunlight, imprinting them on canvas, paper, and the bricks of ruins, leaving a mark of their existence. In Lai Chi Wo, where the relationship with nature is close, weeds grow everywhere. Weeding has become a daily task for residents, but they have also become part of the village's landscape.