Urban Interventions: A Personal Journey Through Art and Awakening
(Buildings - Hong Kong)
As I sit in my small studio in the bustling city of Hong Kong, surrounded by sketches and materials for my recent works "Wild Treasure" and "Indoor Flowing," I'm filled with a complex mix of excitement and vulnerability. These pieces, created during my Visual Arts Master's program in Hong Kong, not only mark significant milestones in my academic career but also represent my deep contemplation and emotional connection to this city.
Since I began living and studying in Hong Kong, I've been fascinated by its urban spaces. The dense architecture, busy streets, and hidden green pockets of this city have all become sources of inspiration for my artistic creations. It was against this backdrop that the concept for "Wild Treasure" was born.
Since I began living and studying in Hong Kong, I've been fascinated by its urban spaces. The dense architecture, busy streets, and hidden green pockets of this city have all become sources of inspiration for my artistic creations. It was against this backdrop that the concept for "Wild Treasure" was born.
(Wild Treasure, Sammy Lai)
I vividly remember the day I conceptualized "Wild Treasure." It was a rare crisp autumn day in Hong Kong, and I was walking in a small park near my school. When I saw the fallen leaves on the ground, I was suddenly struck by their beauty—the intricate patterns, rich colors, so precious against the city's gray palette. In that moment, I felt the resilience of nature within the city, while also feeling a twinge of regret for how often we overlook these everyday wonders. This emotional response became the seed for "Wild Treasure."
The process of creating this piece evoked deep reflections about Hong Kong. As I carefully arranged leaves in transparent containers, I felt as if I was curating fragments of urban time, preserving moments of city nature that are usually overlooked. This made me question my own habits and values, as well as those of other city dwellers. Are we too focused on the fast pace of urban life to notice the natural beauty around us?
The process of creating this piece evoked deep reflections about Hong Kong. As I carefully arranged leaves in transparent containers, I felt as if I was curating fragments of urban time, preserving moments of city nature that are usually overlooked. This made me question my own habits and values, as well as those of other city dwellers. Are we too focused on the fast pace of urban life to notice the natural beauty around us?
(Indoor Flowing, Sammy Lai)
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(Inside look of Indoor Flowing)
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The inspiration for "Indoor Flowing" came from my daily observations on Hong Kong's streets. In this city prone to heavy rains, the drainage system plays a crucial role. One day, I was captivated by a street corner drain, watching rainwater rush into the underground. This scene made me think about the relationship between Hong Kong's surface vibrancy and its hidden underground complexities. I wondered: what if I brought this often-ignored element of urban infrastructure into an art space?
However, the creation process for "Indoor Flowing" was filled with challenges and self-doubt. As I struggled to install a functional drain grate in the school's exhibition space, I constantly questioned myself: Was this piece too provocative? Would the audience understand the urban spatial complexity I was trying to convey? I spent several sleepless nights, doubting my artistic choices.
But as the installation took shape, I grew increasingly excited. Seeing water flow through the grate in the gallery space filled me with awe for urban infrastructure and joy at breaking artistic boundaries. Although there were no children viewing the work in the gallery (it was, after all, an academic exhibition), seeing fellow students and professors engage in discussions about urban planning and public spaces around the piece was gratifying and fulfilling.
Creating these works in a highly urbanized environment like Hong Kong has deepened my reflections on city life. As an art student living and studying in Hong Kong, I've constantly sought balance between the city's charm and the environmental challenges it presents. Through these works, I'm not only exploring artistic concepts but also striving to understand and interpret the complexities of this city.
Creating this series was emotionally and intellectually challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Each piece feels like a deep exploration of Hong Kong, representing not just an artistic statement, but also my understanding of and feelings for this city.
Looking ahead, I feel both excited and nervous. These works created in Hong Kong have paved a new artistic path for me. I'm thrilled to further explore urban spaces, challenging people's perceptions of public areas and city infrastructure. At the same time, I'm deeply aware of the responsibility I bear as an artist focused on urban issues.
Every day in Hong Kong, I observe the city with fresh eyes. Each drain, every wild plant growing through sidewalk cracks, each intersection of natural and man-made environments now feels like a potential artwork, a Hong Kong story waiting to be told.
This artistic journey in Hong Kong has changed me. It has made me more acutely observant of urban spaces, more willing to question conventions, and more aware of the important role art can play in city life. As I continue to explore and create in this city, I carry with me the lessons learned, the doubts faced, and the achievements celebrated here. I'm committed to creating works that not only challenge perceptions but also open people's hearts to appreciate the often-overlooked wonders in our daily urban lives.
Ultimately, for me, these works created in Hong Kong are more than just artworks or academic achievements. They are testaments to my personal growth and artistic exploration in this city, reminders of moments when I felt deeply connected to the unique urban fabric of Hong Kong. I hope they create opportunities for viewers to think and reflect, bridging the gaps between art, city living, and environmental awareness.
However, the creation process for "Indoor Flowing" was filled with challenges and self-doubt. As I struggled to install a functional drain grate in the school's exhibition space, I constantly questioned myself: Was this piece too provocative? Would the audience understand the urban spatial complexity I was trying to convey? I spent several sleepless nights, doubting my artistic choices.
But as the installation took shape, I grew increasingly excited. Seeing water flow through the grate in the gallery space filled me with awe for urban infrastructure and joy at breaking artistic boundaries. Although there were no children viewing the work in the gallery (it was, after all, an academic exhibition), seeing fellow students and professors engage in discussions about urban planning and public spaces around the piece was gratifying and fulfilling.
Creating these works in a highly urbanized environment like Hong Kong has deepened my reflections on city life. As an art student living and studying in Hong Kong, I've constantly sought balance between the city's charm and the environmental challenges it presents. Through these works, I'm not only exploring artistic concepts but also striving to understand and interpret the complexities of this city.
Creating this series was emotionally and intellectually challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Each piece feels like a deep exploration of Hong Kong, representing not just an artistic statement, but also my understanding of and feelings for this city.
Looking ahead, I feel both excited and nervous. These works created in Hong Kong have paved a new artistic path for me. I'm thrilled to further explore urban spaces, challenging people's perceptions of public areas and city infrastructure. At the same time, I'm deeply aware of the responsibility I bear as an artist focused on urban issues.
Every day in Hong Kong, I observe the city with fresh eyes. Each drain, every wild plant growing through sidewalk cracks, each intersection of natural and man-made environments now feels like a potential artwork, a Hong Kong story waiting to be told.
This artistic journey in Hong Kong has changed me. It has made me more acutely observant of urban spaces, more willing to question conventions, and more aware of the important role art can play in city life. As I continue to explore and create in this city, I carry with me the lessons learned, the doubts faced, and the achievements celebrated here. I'm committed to creating works that not only challenge perceptions but also open people's hearts to appreciate the often-overlooked wonders in our daily urban lives.
Ultimately, for me, these works created in Hong Kong are more than just artworks or academic achievements. They are testaments to my personal growth and artistic exploration in this city, reminders of moments when I felt deeply connected to the unique urban fabric of Hong Kong. I hope they create opportunities for viewers to think and reflect, bridging the gaps between art, city living, and environmental awareness.
(photo shooting - Hong Kong)