PMQに注目:(久しぶり)：近隣と仮想の出会い

PMQは前ハリウッドロード既婚者用警察官舎で、香港セントラルのデザインやクリエイティブシーンの中心地に位置しています。多彩なアートイベントを開催するスポットです。

最新の特別展はPMQ自体に注目を集めさせ、面白い相互交流できる展示会に通して昔々の既婚者用警察官舎を展示します。PMQは1950年代に建築されたグレード３の歴史的建造物で、警察官家族の笑い声が溢れて、キッチンから香りを漂わせて、子供たちがベランダに当てのない走りを続けて、何組の麻雀プレイヤーはバトルに熱中していて…その過去にあったシーンは今現在を再現します。

(久しぶり)：近隣と仮想の出会い

香港出身アーティスト及びイラストレーターのボー・ローは、相互交流できる展示会において当時の賑わい日々を「LONG TIME NO SEE (久しぶり)：近隣と仮想の出会い」にお題で愛を込めて描写します。

芸術や、拡張現実や、インタラクティブアニメーションなどを集めて、この展示会はPMQ住民の生活を生き生きにもたらします。

香港の真髄を捉える瞬間

自分自身をこのセントラルの風景と人々に囲まれ、まさに中国と西洋の融合地域です。この大型壁画の中にユニークなコミュニティ遺産の時間をフリーズしています。現在の遺産建築物に目印を付けましょう：大館、セントラルマーケット、文武廟と甘棠第(コム・トン・ホール)に改装された孫中山記念館。伝統的な中国と現代的な建築学、フリーマーケットやオフィスビルやお寺など、ここに体験できる独特な組み合わせはPMQの背景です。同時に、当時の既婚者用警察官舎の中の日常生活と仕事場面を覗き込めます。麻雀ゲームを傍観する事や、愛らしい泥棒ちゃんを捕まる事、自転車レース、隣人と共にテレビ観賞及びボウルヘアカット、インタラクティブアニメーションを通じて当時のベランダに実際起こった生活の一部を仮想的に体験する事ができます。

インタラクティブアニメーション – 臨場体験

麻雀狂気（H402号室付近にあるベランダ）

劇的熱く麻雀ゲーム戦いに参加！

警官が不在時に、主婦達は…麻雀をする！このゲームは当時に最も人気がある社会活動です。想像してみなさい。ベランダに沿って置かれたテーブルたち、テーブルごとに４人の女性が知力で対決し…同時にゴシップを仕入れ、楽しい生活を送りします。

盗まれて来たおやつは最高!（H5階のテイスト図書館付近にあるベランダ）

PMQでかわいい泥棒がいました。空腹の子供たちは味わいする前にママに捕まれた！

警察宿舎時代である当時、ベランダは「オープンキッチン」の様に料理を作る際に必ずいい香りを嗅げます。子どもたちは常に料理のおいしい香りに誘惑されました。誰か彼らが料理を味わうこと止めれるでしょうか？

ツアー・ド・ベランダ（S601号室付近にあるベランダ）

ボクサーパンツを振り、レースを始めましょう！このビデオで激しいインドア自転車レースを見ることができます。

雨の際、活気な子供のため長広いベランダは遊び場の代役になりました。子供たちはどんなゲームを発明したのか、そしてどんな小道具を使われたのかを想像してみましょう！

テレビエピソード（S302号室付近にあるベランダ）

ビデオ中のテレビ視聴者グループに参加し、そしてテレビが故障する時に慣例に従わない技術で直すことを見ましょう。

テレビが流行ってる初期には、テレビを買える人は限られていました。隣人の家に一緒に人気番組を見るのも日常生活のひとつです。

ボウルでヘアスタイル（S307号室付近にあるベランダ）

こんな髪型で？！ビデオ中の「理髪師」が伝統的な「ボウルヘアカット」を子供たちにやってしまった後、一体なにがあったのか？

これは巡回理髪師の話でした。週末に彼はツールボックスを持って来訪します。その際に男性と子供が順番を並び、自分の番まで理髪師を待ちます。

アーティストについて

ボー・ローはコミュニティアートに情熱がある香港出身のアーティスト兼イラストレーターです。彼は周囲の生活環境に触発され続け、作品のテーマは主に香港であります。また、彼は非営利組織や商業組織と様々な芸術プロジェクトに積極的に参加しています。

彼はPMQと非常に密接な関係を持っている：警官の息子で、8歳から13歳までは家族とここに住んでいました。警察宿舎時代のPMQへの描写と解釈は、彼自身の経験から引き出され、物を知りたがる活発な子供の見方を反映されています。

プログラムの詳細

会場: PMQにある展示室(H402号室) と５つのベランダ に陳列しています。

料金: 入場無料

番地: 香港中環鴨甸甸街35號

ウェブサイト: www.pmq.org.hk

PMQについてもっと知りたい場合は、あなたの連絡先を残してください

"I Love Hong Kong, I’m born and raised here, Hong Kong is my home."

 

"I Love Hong Kong, I’m born and raised here, Hong Kong is my home."

Text by Eddie Kim 

Hong Kong locals love a good bargain.  Anyone can walk into a Manning’s and pick up a gallon of hand soap for the price of a pork chop bun.  A good deal is hard to resist, but consumers are catching up to manufacturers through the digital information rush, and the standards for quality is rising day by day.   

Hong Kong’s own Edmund Ip is already ahead of the game.   Edmund loves his hometown that much is certain.  He believes that, “you cannot choose your home, Hong Kong is not perfect, but together we can make it better.”

Personally having a mild skin allergy, Edmund took it upon himself to be aware of the many harmful chemicals found in common over-the-counter cosmetics and soap materials.  While seeking out alternative organic made soaps, he discovered that the choices in his city were slim, and information and help were hard to come by.

After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong with a degree in Design, Edmund first left his hometown at the age of twenty to pursue a Communications degree in Australia.  His studies at RMIT University would lead to his meeting with Gia Fox, his future business partner.

They partnered up together to form Bathe to Basics, with three different locations in Hong Kong. Bathe to Basics combines animal fats and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create their soaps.  The ancient Egyptian cold press method is used to extract and maintain all valuable nutrients from each ingredient.  The process yields a high glycerin byproduct effectively moisturizing the skin simultaneously.  Each soap bar is cut and packaged by hand, without any artificial oils that cause irritation. 

 “It is a small operation.”  A recent hire in the marketing department has been the most recent addition to the Bathe to Basics team.  The main production stage is in a remote location in Tai Po.  "It is not an everyday production so some bulk orders are challenging to fulfil when they come in.”  They usually produce batches in 20-30 bars during production, and large orders over 1000 have been a challenge for this boutique shop. 

 

When talking about his previous work experiences, Edmund waxed nostalgic on the demise of HK Magazine.  "It was one of the first English magazine(s) talking about different lifestyle in Hong Kong...played an important role during the time.”  While it was a short stay during his career Edmund was sad to see that they could not keep up with digital demands.

Bathe to Basics has always had an operational online store on their website, but the experience at the store cannot be replicated on a computer.  "We found that customers like to interact with us.  Ask questions, smell scents, and touch the products.  Our loyal customers buy online because of the previous experience … online is important, but the physical shop is the key."

Located on the fourth floor of Staunton Building in PMQ, Edmund is happy his flagship store is in a unique location. 

"(PMQ) Gathered a lot of local designers, different boutique shop … an aura to this place.  Locals appreciate this place, most feedback from the tourists love the place a lot, not big brands in department stores...most of the shops are unique and representing Hong Kong, makes us special...easier to stand out.”

Every brand has a different identity and Edmund’s company is the same.  While some soaps are either bland and utilitarian, or overtly garish, Edmund and Gia have opted for a simpler aesthetic and approach.  Their top-selling product is the Basic Cream Bar. 

"Just a round shape, simple, that's the first soap we made."

Edmund also writes a blog for his website, which he admits is one area he wants to improve.  "Aim of our brand...not just to provide better solutions and choices...try to tell you more information, when we started there was not much to go on, there are still misunderstandings and myths, I want to write a blog telling people what it is we're doing and why.”

Although there are three different locations throughout the city, Edmund is weary of expanding his shop too hastily. 

“(To) grow bigger of course, try to balance the right way…save time and cost is cheap but product suffers, lots of companies sacrifice quality as they get better, lose sight of their mission statement… (to) grow big and balance at the same time, that is the challenge.  I believe there is a (right) way to do it.”

Edmund is constantly searching for new technologies and ingredients overseas.   “I don’t follow one particular soap-maker, mostly the natural brands…Hong Kong is a bit slow in (embracing) natural organic products…I follow the trends and patterns so I can incorporate them back home.

Since 2011 Bathe to Basics has been on the forefront of eco-friendly local products.  Now that the cat’s out the bag, local and foreign competitors are visible on the horizon.  Fresh off their success in the Cream Bar Soap, their product line has now expanded to shampoos, conditioners, and face wash.

Franchising his products to boutique departments stores in the future, but they must share Edmund and Gia’s vision of soap-making.  "It’s better for us and better for the earth.” 

 

Store Locations:

Flagship Store

Bathe to Basics

S403, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

http://www.pmq.org.hk/shop/bathe-to-basic-home-store/ 

 

WECONS @ Flower Market

1/F, 204 Prince Edward Rd W, Mong Kok

Colorliving

333 Lockhart road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

 

 

The Way We Were - The 60th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung

The Way We Were - The 60^th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung

Text: Eddie Kim

Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing has enamored the people of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, through his iconic voice in the music industry, coupled with his memorable performances in movies.  Regarded as one of the godfathers of Canton-Pop, Leslie has forever taken the hearts of his fans through his carefully crafted voice.  His 1984 hit single ‘Monica’, was voted by Hong Kong as the song of the century.  He was the first foreign artist to host sixteen concerts in Japan, and in Korea remains the top-selling Canton-Pop Artist. 

Leslie remains the only pop-star to announce his own retirement by performing 33 consecutive nights at the Hong Kong Coliseum.  After five years away from the limelight he returned with his “Most Beloved” album.   

Leslie’s presence on the silver screen managed to capture more than the people’s hearts of Hong Kong.  Regarded as one of the most charismatic Chinese film actor, Leslie has performed and progressed in the film industry with exceptional ease and charisma.  From his iconic performances in Days of Being Wild (1991), to Farewell My Concubine (1993), he has managed to intimate his life experiences into the art form seamlessly.

United Leslie is a non-profit making voluntary union founded devoted fans of Leslie Cheung and first established in 2006.  The 10^th anniversary of this organization spurned the union between United Leslie and PMQ.  United Leslie Volunteer Association is proud to present the 60^th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung.  Designed to reveal the behind-the-scenes stories of the King of Canton-Pop there are plenty of ways for old fans and new to learn more about this enigmatic figure in Hong Kong pop culture.

From 8^th-18^th of September, PMQ has opened studio space to host a series of exhibitions to highlight the life events of Leslie Cheung.  Video and photo exhibitions will be prominently displayed to guide the audience through Leslie’s life in chronological order. 

 

Leslie helped impact the transformation in Hong Kong popular culture.  Specifically, in the areas of 

fashion, Leslie fancied himself a trendsetter in the industry.  The Hong Kong locals still pay homage to his revolutionary style, and is still referred affectionately as Gor-Gor (older brother).

There were a few notable names in the Hong Kong celebrity circuit who took their time to show their love and appreciation for Leslie.  Mr. Hins Cheung, Ms. Gigi Leung, Ms. Suzie Wong, and Mr. Spencer Leung Sze Ho, and Ms. Fiona Sit were some of the many who miss him dearly. 

 

The photo exhibition helped highlight the off-screen character and charisma of Leslie.  Historical photos of Leslie outside of his work were particularly interesting.   

 

 Though many had not personally known him as his friends and family did, his charisma and character were captured in brief glimpses throughout his performing career.  He stood as a vanguard towards those seeking happiness.  Who could be the voice of the next generations?

 

 

 

After over a decade has passed since his tragic death, but the love and dedication to his creative endeavors has definitively transferred over to his adoring fans.  The people of Hong Kong will never forget their beloved Gor-Gor, and continue to celebrate his long-lasting legacy.

 

Date of Exhibition:     8^th-18^th, September, 2016

Time of Exhibition:     11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (8^th-11^th, September, 2016)

                                       11:00 – 6:00 PM (12^th, September, 2016)

                                       11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (13^th-18^th, September, 2016)

Venue of Exhibition: S708 – S711, Staunton, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

Event Link:  http://www.pmq.org.hk/event/the-way-we-were-the-60th-anniversary-of-leslie-cheung-exhibition/

“Social Regeneration – The Effects of Creativity Engagement”

Text:ymy

Living in a city where everyone is talking about politics and money, have you ever wonder how arts could generate new potential and possibilities in economy, society, and community?

 

Regardless your answers, it is now your chance to investigate different creative possibilities of arts and culture in PMQ.

 

Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (SFAC) is co-organizing a symposium with PMQ with the title “Social Regeneration – The Effects of Creativity Engagement” to find out the significance, role, and the future of arts to help improve the society. Various project cases based on space implemented in Hong Kong and in Seoul will be presented to share creative possibilities and social roles of the arts with the audience.

Don't want to miss such incredible content? Just join the event on 19th Aug, 2016 (Fri) from 14:30 to 17:30 at the Qube (2/F, Block B) without hesitation!

For details and RSVP please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-regeneration-the-effects-of-creativity-engagement-registration-26437559452

 

http://www.pmq.org.hk/event/social-regeneration-the-effects-of-creativity-engagement/

Breathing Life into Brass

Text: C.Martin

They were lying on the tables, hanging on wooden boards on the walls and tucked in comfortably in honeycomb-like shelves on the walls.

 

“I designed and crafted all these with my little fingers.” Pinky Wong gestured at the meticulously handcrafted pieces of jewellery in her studio shop, which was aptly named “The Little Finger”. Even the brownish-gold letters outside the shop – yes, those were handmade herself too.

 

Pinky carved and polished each of their curves and bends from brass. Watching her work, it seemed to me like she was breathing life into each of her pieces, giving them their own spark stroke by stroke.

 

Pinky said that she liked working with brass most of all as it was not easily oxidized like silver if worn for long periods of time. She said this seemed to diminish the quality of jewellery pieces when they gathered the grey sheen of oxidation. She felt brass gave quality and value to her pieces.

Coupled with quality metal, traces of wool often wound their way into her designs. She liked to use wool to fill in the “negative space”, or the open and empty space, in her pieces. This seemed to give a warmer and almost human touch to the raw metal.

 

While Pinky concentrated on crafting her pieces, Toby Cheung made sure the shop operated smoothly. They had been classmates in university, and Toby decided to help Pinky out when she heard about the studio shop. Catching their shared smiles reminiscent of old times, I think she enjoyed working at The Little Finger as much as Pinky.

 

I was curious about where the name for “The Little Finger” came from, though I had a bit of an idea. With a cheeky grin, Pinky relayed to me the short story of how “The Little Finger” came to be.

“Well, my name is Pinky, which is another name for the little finger on our hands. So in a way, I guess I am the little finger.

“And all the jewellery pieces here are handmade, from the little fingers of designers like me. It’s amazing what you can make with these little fingers.”

 

What was even more amazing was that she rarely sketched out the design of her jewellery on paper – she just started making them and feeling them out with her fingers.

“Of course, you do have to have a bit of an idea about how you want it to turn out. But working with metal relies a lot on the feel of it on the tips of your fingers. I don’t like being restricted by designs on paper, because when you start making the piece it has a way of telling you what works best. I prefer it that way.”

 

And each piece takes quite a long time to make. The pieces of jewellery on display are oftentimes the only piece in the shop. So when it is picked by its new owner, that spot becomes empty, and the little finger(s) start working again to fill the vacant spot.

 

I watched as Pinky sent off her piece of jewellery. Along with it, she gave the owner-to-be a small card with procedures on how to care for the jewellery, along with a little piece of sandpaper attached to it.

“The best way to keep it in good shape is just to wear it more. Please don’t throw it away if it shows small signs of wear – I put a lot of effort into making this piece. Please take good care of it!”

 

 

 

The Little Finger

H206, 2/F, Hollywood, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hour: 12:00nn – 8:00pm Daily

Website:  http://www.thelittlefinger.com/

                http://www.pmq.org.hk/shop/the-little-finger/?lang=ch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLittleFingerbyPinkyWong

 

 

打破框架 － 隨心所欲

打破框架 － 隨心所欲

Text: clk

 

如果這是屬於你的開引號，你會怎樣結束它？

漫步元創方，精緻店舖和產品琳瑯滿目，但能夠在其中脫穎而出，一個設計心思是不容有失。再說，一個一聽到便動心和引發共鳴的名字更是致勝之道。擁有3間空間設計的Open Quote就是一個好例子，能同時滿足兩個要求的創意天地。3個空間擺放的都是不到類型，看似毫無關係 － 精品，書，畫。但有的都是同一個主題 － 創作

「Open Quote是一個自己解讀的空間」，而空間裏有的是「可能性」。

第一步踏入這空間是，一股輕鬆而帶有半分緊張的心情一擁而上，緊張不是因正在播著的tomorrow’s song，而是我對Open Quote的期望。在香港急速的生活已變成理所當然，每天出入地鐵都好像與時間競賽，然而，步入Open Quote後，腳步突然慢了，時間亦好像過得慢了。對藝術毫無認識和見解的我，見到每一物件都讚嘆不已， 無論是精品還是用來擺放精品的臺 － 荷蘭碼頭的木枱，巴黎民居的天花，印度的木箱  － 好像讓我看到香港的另一面，也沒有想到香港的創作藝術還健在。

又走到第二空間，有的是書。用來放書是一張「書」枱 － 用一排排的書來製成的枱。整個空間也散發出一陣濃厚的書本味，其因四周都擺放不同的書 － 銷售中的和已經銷毀的。雖然書本數目不多，但都是一些年輕作者，本本也是店主親自悉心挑選的，因此營造出一個很寬鬆的心情和環境。

 

最後是一個畫廊 － 店主以不同的多媒體來演繹一個接一個的故事。他在2年前即出過一本書－69N 51W。書中的情節是基本他在格陵蘭所得到的一點一滴，更珍貴的是對生命的啟發。每幅插圖也是作者親手畫的，裡面也埋藏著不少密碼和故事。他稱有心人會自己找到的。

 

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貌似林日曦的Open Quote腦細Ricky黎偉傑，對「空間」有一份執著，他作為一個設計師和藝術家，從來不限制自己發揮的地方，無論在設計，作曲，畫畫，影相，都相當出色。

 

「如果只能選擇一樣才能呢？」

「我選擇不要才能。」「跳出框架吧！」

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引用名人的話總要給他們一對引號。

 

而你，一個「名人」，會說些什麼「名言」，把它關上?

 

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Open Quote Concept Store

中環鴨巴甸街35號元創方S401室

S401, 3/F, Hollywood, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

營業時間: 每日12:30pm – 8:30pm

Opening hour: 12:30pm - 8:30pm Daily please use the same expression of time in both chi and eng

網頁: http://www.pmq.org.hk/shop/open-quote/

www.openquote.com.hk