Over 300 intangible cultural heritage artworks created by the educators and students of the Hong Kong Art School and Lingnan University will be featured at this special exhibition, along with interactive activities, to highlight the contemporary expression of the traditions, arts, rituals, and crafts that make Hong Kong unique.
There are plenty of traditional techniques still being practised today, such as cheongsam tailoring, soy sauce making, and even the famous Fire Dragon Dance, but this festival provides a look at how these traditions are also being reimagined and passed down in creative ways. This year’s programme highlights the art of flower board crafting, with craftsman Choi Wing-kei and contemporary artist Lau Ming-hang, along with five students, taking on the challenge of co-creating a large-scale flower board installation. These signboards are typically used in celebrations such as deities’ birthdays or the Hungry Ghost Festival, as well as the inauguration of projects like new buildings or businesses.
Measuring approximately six metres in height and width, the ICH+ Festival’s piece is a nod to the visual impact of traditional flower boards and also the intergenerational transmission of skills that has long been found in the teacher-disciple model of Hong Kong’s traditional crafts. Some students will also be exhibiting their works on Guangcai making – the art of handpainting white porcelain with overglaze decorations – each showing distinctive elements of Hong Kong culture. Keep an eye out for iconic subjects like the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, the Haw Par Mansion, and a traditional ‘fishes and aquatics’ motif.
Aside from these two featured techniques, there will also be works related to other intangible cultural heritage such as Hong Kong cheongsam making, seal carving, Shiwan pottery making, dough figurine crafting, steamer making, blown sugar techniques, and many more. The art fair, game booths, workshops, and expert sharing sessions that accompany the exhibition will let visitors gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the treasured history that this city’s culture is built on.
The ICH+ Festival starts from June 21, with the art fair and game booths available until June 22, while the workshops run until July 5. For the full programme and schedule, visit the official website.
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