Eaton HK presents「Ways of Water」- an exploration of Hong Kong’s waterways through a series of exhibitions, installations and workshops.
The story of Hong Kong begins with water. The significance of water to the city is inherent in its etymology, Fragrant Harbor, and while Hong Kong is no longer a humble fishing village, water remains a defining characteristic of the high-density metropolitan city. Water surrounds us, separates us, and seeps through us all at once, playing a fundamental and indispensable role in our daily lives.
Beginning in April, Earth Month, Eaton HK shifts focus to Hong Kong’s obvious and obscure waterways, that not only buoy our sustenance, but also dictate or inform the ways we navigate space and leisure. 「Ways of Water」takes a deeper look at the flora and fauna—including humans—that face threats in these aquatic ecosystems, and learn to appreciate their relationships with each other.
From the very real, prevalent existential hazards and threats to coral reefs, to the mythological phenomena and cultural traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation, 「Ways of Water」aims to dive into the complex histories and sciences of our oceans as we learn more about local fishing communities, pearl conservation, and freshwater wetlands through a series of screenings, workshops, installations, exhibitions, performances and more.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Ghost Net Hunter – Harry Chan
Photography Exhibition @LG Eaton Foodhall
NOW – 05.05 11am-10pm
For decades ocean lover Harry Chan has been on a mission to rid Hong Kong’s waterways of ghost nets or fishing nets that have been abandoned. On his frequent dives, he grapples with these nets. This photographic exhibition highlights Harry’s tireless work to draw attention to the threat Hong Kong sea life constantly faces.
Sustainable Pearl Workshop with the HK Pearl Cultivation Association @ 4/F Tomorrow Maybe
06.05, 3-5pm
The sustainable pearl workshop will introduce Hong Kong’s 4000-year-old pearl history and culture, and modern sustainable development initiatives taking place at sea now. From the anatomy of pearl oysters to pearl cultivation, a Hong Kong Pearl Cultivation Association instructor will discuss the delicate relationship between the ocean and humans. Participants will learn what pearl farmers do before shucking their own pearl oyster.
Ticketing: https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/
Revitalizing Marine Ecosystems with Harry Chan, Mario Nuzzolese, Adrian Yung, Rainbow Leung @ 1/F Kino
11.05, 7:30-9pm
A cross- generational discussion by a mixed panel including divers, research assistants and inventors sharing their respective works and perspectives on the threats facing HK marine ecosystems as well as some of the innovative solutions being proposed to restore biodiversity and prevent pollution of HK waterways.
Freshwater Organisms Art Workshop with Outdoor Wildlife Learning HK @ 4/ Tomorrow Maybe
21.05, 3-5pm
The workshop will introduce the ecosystem of local freshwater wetlands and the attempted conservation of insects that inhabit these spaces. The participants will be able to view rare specimens of different freshwater insects preserved by Dr. Ken So, an educator and researcher of ecology and biodiversity in Hong Kong. Local illustrator waterbeargulu will instruct participants, helping them accurately depict the insects’ form and details in zoological illustration.
Ticketing: https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/
Take Me To The River, Draw Me A Star (The Year 1963) – Installation Exhibition & Performance @ Tomorrow Maybe, a solo by Law Yuk Mui @ 4/F Tomorrow Maybe
03.06 – 02.07, 11am-9pm
Opening Performance & Artist Talk
03.06, 2-5pm
During the summer drought of 1963, two hundred village women in Sheung Shui set up an altar on the top of Wa Shan by the Ng Tung River in order to pray for rain. They laid bamboo, flowers, fruits, fresh water and made animal sacrifices beside the rain prayer rock on the mountaintop, whilst performing a set of ancient rituals. It is said that not long after the ritual was performed, rain fell from the sky.
In her exhibition, media artist Law Yuk Mui will create video and sound installations based on her field study and archival research of the rainmaking ritual. She will perform and re-enact the ritual with sound artist Lam Yip in a format of live cinema.
