Neon, Bamboo, Mahjong? Vote for Hong Kong Culture to be Preserved

Description

Two shows explore how design and food can preserve Hong Kong’s collective memory.

Curated by creative studios CoDesign’s Eddy Yu and Hung Lam with Story Lab’s Vivienne Yu, Fading Out/In: Designed to Remember features works inspired by everyday icons — including neon signs, mahjong, street calligraphy, bamboo scaffolding, traditional crafts and local architecture. Divided into two main zones — Memory and Transformation — both sections show how heritage through interactive displays of the city’s historic eateries and architecture, ordinary design objects can become powerful carriers of shared memory, safeguarding the intangible spirit of Hong Kong for present and future generations. At the end of the show, in what is called the Exit Interactive Zone, visitors can also vote for the aspects of Hong Kong culture they most wish to preserve. Held at the Design Museum, the show runs from now until 2 November.

Running alongside it, Local Design Showcase: Food to Table brings together more than 20 local food, furniture and lifestyle brands at the Fashion-Pop. Through five key elements — Home, Light, Fashion, Feast and Drink — the showcase highlights local flavours, artisanal drinks, nostalgic treats, furniture, lighting and homeware. From Sai Ying Pun’s traditional waxed meat shop Yue Wo Hop Kee to the city’s gin label Tankyu Distillery and art brand Finkgorest founded by bamboo artist Inkgo Lam, the participating makers demonstrate how craftsmanship, storytelling and cultural identity continue to shape Hong Kong’s everyday design culture. Food to Table runs from now until 16 November.