Hong Kong Arts Development Council presents:
Arts in the City:
On the Plain of Plenty
Depth of Flavour in a Loaded Place
9 to 31 March 2024
Various locations, Yuen Long District Experience an artistic feast
Following the success of the inaugural art walk of the Arts in the City -- Small Valley TAI HANG, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) launches its second art walk -- On the Plain of Plenty in Yuen Long today. Designed by local curator Stephaine Cheung, Chan Tsz-lam and Zoe Hong, On the Plain of Plenty will be held from 9 to 31 March 2024, guiding the general public and visitors of Hong Kong to experience six site-specific artistic creations in Yuen Long. Guided tours and a variety of immersive arts activities are available for participants to discover Yuen Long through the lens of art and gastronomy.
On the Plain of Plenty Ignite your artistic taste buds
In the past, the Chinese characters of Yuen Long were literally "On the Plain of Plenty". The alluvial basin, encompassing Kam Tin and Pat Heung to the east, Shap Pat Heung and Tai Tong to the south, Ping Shan and Hung Shui Kiu to the west, and Wang Chow and Tai Sang Wai to the north, is a rare expanse of flat land in Hong Kong. Well irrigated and fertile, it has bountiful harvests under the blazing sun. The legend goes that rice from its paddy fields was offered to the emperors. Over time, various ethnic groups settled, infusing the air with the aroma of home cooking from close and afar. As the new town emerged, eateries sprout along the main road. People can affordably enjoy a hearty feast.
Stephanie Cheung, curator of On the Plain of Plenty, said “On this plain of the plenty, we savour the care people and land give to each other, choices of life, commitment to inheritance, irrecoverable changes, relocations…Now destined to become part of the Northern Metropolis, the plain of the plenty is in a state of flux. In this moment, how can we savour this place with artistic sensibility? These flavours are not only telling of Yuen Long, but also Hong Kong.”
Ms Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of the HKADC, said "The launch of the first art walk small valley TAI HANG of the Arts in the City Scheme last November received overwhelming response from locals and visitors. Guided tours and workshops were fully booked. After months of preparation, the second art walk On the Plain of Plenty is now ready to take you away from the hectic city life to experience the cultural charm of the rural area, to appreciate the beauty of Yuen Long from a brand new perspective through an array of site-specific artistic creations and arts activities."
Chewing on food-related sites, six artists have cooked up our “Main Courses”. Ray Chan See-kwong (ceramic art), Tim Chan Ting-cheung (sound/installation), Monti Lai Wai-yi (environmental art), Cho Wing-ki (printmaking), Tang Kwok-hin (mixed media) and Yip Kai-chun (media arts) each bring their unique artistic expressions to the table, inviting participants to savor the essence with all five senses.
The "Six Main Courses" are an absolute feast for the senses, offering a blend of colour, fragrance and flavour. They feature “In The Pond Of Indifference” by Tai Sang Wai X Tim Chan, “Paddy-GoHome” by Seeds Lab X Monti Lai Wai-Yi, “Enduring Taste” by Pun Chun Sauce And Preserved Fruit Factory X Cho Wing-Ki, “Always A Bottle At Home” by Bei Bei Book House X Ray Chan See-Kwong, “in the village lies a continent” by Hong Kong African Association X Yip Kai-Chun, and “Wander” by A Few Moments・Youth Hub X Tang Kwok-Hin. These experiences are sure to leave you with endless memories to savour.
“One the Side” is a dramaturgical presentation of small bites en route from Yuen Long town centre to Little Southeast Asia, Ping Shan and Lau Fau Shan. “Chefs’ Recommendations” stocktake culinary mementoes of the collaborating art and cultural practitioners. Sharing makes taste better -- while filling your plate in this arts tour, you can share memorable flavours on a limited-edition postcard and on social media.
Prior to starting your artistic adventure, take a moment to explore the one-stop art tour website "Arts in the City" and browse through the "menu" of the On the Plain of Plenty art tour (http://www.artsinthecity.hk). Get ready for your journey and indulge your mind and body. Additionally, a variety of workshops, experiential activities and exhibitions are available for registration. Be sure to make registration as seats are served on a first-come-first-served basis. (Registration link: www.popticket.hk/event/on-the-plain-of-plenty).
Please relish the depth of flavour in this loaded place. Bon appétit!
"On the Plain of Plenty"——Introduction of the “Six Main Courses”
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Tai Sang Wai X Tim Chan: The vast sky above Tai Sang Wai is unblocked by high rises. What does it take to transform the saline shore into a habitat for freshwater fish? From an agricultural stronghold to a conservation zone for migrant birds, Tai Sang Wai has always been guarded by its custodians. When real estate is way more profitable than fish farming, the mirrored sky on the ponds is a reservoir of tenacity. A sound walk by sound artist Tim Chan takes visitors on a multisensory journey—in search of the place’s energising sustenance for fish, birds and people. |
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Seeds Lab X Monti Lai Wai-Yi: Vis-a-vise the mainstream impression that agriculture sees no future, the founders of Seeds Lab started farming in their prime. Labouriously, gently and determinedly, they cultivate selfsustainability. Now, they sow experimental seeds: when little monsters stomp barefoot in the mud, the paddies get ready for the next growing season; when green sprouts grow into a golden harvest, we learn that food does not come from supermarkets but our land. Observing from the side, farmer-artist Monti Lai Wai-yi leads participants to look for nourishment under Kai Kung Leng for a city-wide rice field. |
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Pun Chun Sauce And Preserved Fruit Factory X Cho Wing-Ki: When an imported bottle of mass-produced sauce costs only a few dollars, the value of locally made condiments is beyond measure. For 125 years, Pun Chun Sauce and Preserved Fruit Factory has persisted with traditional methods. Its signature soy sauce matures under the sun, and all other products are also 100% made in Hong Kong. The characters of “Pun ” and “Chun ” hold time and affectionate ties: in the early days, sauce factories were all called “chun” because a drop of seasonings was precious enough in the humble days; Pun Chun was founded by three partners, thus the three “mouths” in the Chinese character “Pun.” The fourth-generation owner Mr Lai remembers swimming in the cooling conveyor. Director went through fire and water with his father. Everyone in the factory dined together… With sauces on her palette, printmaker Cho Wing-ki shows how the seasoned factory left its marks. |
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Bei Bei Book House X Ray Chan See-Kwong: Always A Bottle At Home Following a winding path, you will find Bei Bei Book House in the fields. The hospitable volunteers generously offer homely treats. All are the owner’s favourites. Two retired social workers founded this space for visitors to have a break from the hustle and bustle. Here they can enjoy slow life, play with dogs and cats, listen to the birds and chat with new acquaintances. Ceramic artist Ray Chan See-kwong tailor-made a series of vessels for this leisurely space. Over teas and wines, visitors can taste nuanced flavours of a place. |
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Hong Kong African Association X Yip Kai-Chun: So far yet so close – there is a Little Africa in Yuen Long. Among the émigrés, most came from the Igbo tribe, whose history goes all the way to prehistoric time. Over semo and egusi, we were at a loss with their priced yam. They call it “taro” in our language, but is it tapioca or something else? How can our knowledge of the African continent be almost non-existent? Through the connections of the Hong Kong African Association, media artist Yip Kai-chun tries one foreign dish after another. Ruminating on people and an exodus, the artist builds bridges for intercultural connections. |
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A Few Moments・Youth Hub X Tang Kwok-Hin: Wander A Few Moments・Youth Hub was previously Kam Kwong kindergarten, attended by many present-day elders when they were little. Later, it became a Nepalese church. Eight years ago, the church teamed up with a non-profit organisation to make the space available to the neighbours. Now the refurbished yellow house is a place of worship on Sundays. On other days, it is open to the public as a youth centre and community space. Mixed media artist Tang Kwok-hin lives in a walled village. In recent years, he has also opened doors for gatherings of people from all walks of life. On this occasion, he creates a sitespecific interactive installation next door and invites guests over to reflect on the contemporary meaning of “dining together.” |
Workshops and Activities
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In the Pond of Indifference: Field Recording In Tai Sang Wai, in addition to experiencing the sound walk created by sound artist Tim Chan, you can also create your own through field recording. The artist will guide participants to turn mobile phones and earphones into arts media. Listen to the sounds in the environment and discover the unseen. Date: 16 & 23 March 2024 (Saturdays) Session 1: 4 - 5 PM Session 2: 5:30 - 6:30 PM Fee: $100 (A $50 deposit will be refunded to participants if they attend the event as scheduled.) *Pre-registration required. |
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Paddy-Go-Home: Workshop How does a fairy tale-like white house sow the seeds of hope? Tread through farmside paths with environmental artist Monti Lai Wai-yi and witness the first three weeks of another rice farming season. Bring back a pot of baby rice and look forward to a homely harvest. Date: Session 1: 10:45 AM–1:00 PM ● 30 March 2024 (Saturday) 17, 24 & 31 March 2024 (Sundays) ------------------- Fee: $100 (A $50 deposit will be refunded to participants if they attend the event as scheduled.) *Pre-registration required. |
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Enduring Taste: Guided Tour & Sauce Printing Experience A rare opportunity to visit a production facility that is usually not open to the public. Through aromatic scenes, you will learn about what gives the condiments, the artist’s site-specific works and their nuanced taste. Printmaker Cho Wing-ki has also prepared sauces for a surprising takeaway. Date: -------------------- Fee: $100 (A $50 deposit will be refunded to participants if they attend the event as scheduled.) *Pre-registration required. |
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Always a Bottle at Home—Vin de home: Hakka Yellow Wine Artist uses 3D printing technology to create unique ceramic pieces. Participants can appreciate the pottery while listening to Hakka stories from Yuen Long and engaging in conversations with the artists. Date: 16 March 2024 (Saturday) Fee: $100 (A $50 deposit will be refunded to participants if they attend the event as scheduled.) * The activities welcome all. Wine tasting is offered to adults over 18 only. Please be mindful of your health conditions. Always a Bottle at Home—Vin de home: Whiskey on Local Fruit Wine Artist uses 3D printing technology to create unique ceramic pieces. Participants can appreciate the pottery while learning about the historical significance of Shek Kong Barracks. They also have the opportunity to engage in conversations with the artists. Date: 23 March 2024 (Saturday) Fee: $100 (A $50 deposit will be refunded to participants if they attend the event as scheduled.) *The activities welcome all. Wine tasting is offered to adults over 18 only. Please be mindful of your health conditions. |
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in the village lies a continent: Afro Express Join the artist to have a taste of his journey over the past few months! Venture to "Yuen Long Africa" and embark on a Hong Kong-Africa exchange, to enjoy music and make new friends. Date: 17 & 24 March 2024 (Sundays) Free-of-charge. |
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Wander: An Evening at 1983—Firewood, Instant Food, Spotlight In recent years, mixed media artist Tang Kwok-hin has often employed the concept of "gatherings" as a creative technique, allowing participants to interact within immersive installations while assuming the role of "guests." In the installation titled "1983 Evening Gathering: Firewood, Instant Food, Spotlight," participants step into a scene of "civilisational collapse" and utilise instant food as props to spontaneously create narratives that blur the boundaries between imagination and reality. Date: 17, 24 & 31 (Sundays) March 2024 Fee: $100 (A $50 deposit will be refunded to participants if they attend the event as scheduled.) *Pre-registration required. |
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Happy Hour Not your regular artists’ talk – gather with the artists of our “Main Courses” in this delectable grand finale! Date: 30 March 2024 (Saturday) *Free of charge. |
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Others:
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In the Pond of Indifference: Walk under the vast sky in Tai Sang Wai, run into the voice of villager Auntie Lan as your audio guide, and listen to a part-real-part-fiction track created by the artist. Oral contents in the audio are in Cantonese. Date: 9–31 March 2024 *Just walk in. Free shuttle to and from A Few Moments・Youth Hub at 12:05pm on 16, 23 March (Saturdays) *Limited seats. Please book in advance. *Firstcome-first-served. |
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Always a Bottle at Home: Experience & Tasting Wear comfortable shoes, tread with a light heart, spend half a day at the "farthest book house in the fields." On the bookshelves, vessels hold drinkable essences of communities around this place. Date: 9, 15, 16*, 22, 23* March 2024 (Fridays and Saturdays) *Pre-registration required. Fridays Saturdays *Free-of-charge. |
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in the village lies a continent: Installation At A Few Moments ・ Youth Hub, where exchanges between communities often take place, get in touch with familiarly foreign ingredients, see so-far-yet-so-close in moving images, and encounter a continent in a village. Date: 9–31 March 2024 *Free-of-charge. |
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Wander: Installation A mixed media installation for random acquaintances to recall "a most memorable meal" and reflect on the meanings and memories of gatherings in an artistic language. During the exhibition, the artist will be there sporadically to work and await exchange. The work merges with the everyday of A Few Moments・Youth Hub, which remains open as a youth centre and community space serving barista-style coffee at certain times. Its research on the Kam Tin community will also be on display. Date: 9–31 March 2024 Venue: A Few Moments・Youth Hub *Free-of-charge. |