Hui Ye
The residency in Hong Kong is a self-organised alternative to her cancelled 2024 residency in Tel Aviv.
My stay in Hong Kong was great and intense at the same time.
Since I come from Guangzhou – one of the major cities in South China closest to Hong Kong – the city was not unfamiliar to me. In fact, Hong Kong was an integral part of the culture I grew up with, especially during the period of China’s economic opening. Due to my personal connection with the city, and considering the complex and difficult political situation over the past years, I experienced Hong Kong in a way that often stirred deep memories and emotions.
While wandering the city, I frequently came across nostalgic foods or shops that I remembered from childhood – things that had long since disappeared in mainland China. At the same time, the density of skyscrapers keeps growing, just like the crowds on the streets and the endless shopping malls. I’m still struck by the incredibly fast walking pace in the metro, just like during my first visit to the city in 1996. In Hong Kong, everything feels encapsulated in its own state, evolving at its own rhythm. It felt like I was not only traveling through different places, but also moving between different times.
Thanks to the host association Current Plans – an alternative art space founded in 2020 by the curator Eunice Tsang, who also works at the M+ Museum – I was able to explore and engage with the local creative community. During Art Basel Hong Kong, which is an important annual art event not only for the commercial art market but also for prominent local art institutions, there was a multifarious program including opening talks, screenings, performances, and discussions. One can be easily overwhelmed by the wide range of offerings and stressed by commuting between the different museums and galleries. Yet it is worth experiencing the many impressive works live and listening to the brilliant minds behind them.
Overall, the residency was a greatly valuable experience for me—both artistically and personally. The unique energy and strength of the city, along with the many beautiful souls I had the chance to meet, will stay with me – continuing to nourish and inspire me on my path.
| 1. | My stay in one word: |
| Fabulous | |
| 2. | Dos & don’ts in this place: |
| Do: everything. Don’t: nothing. | |
| 3. | Things I miss since I am no longer there: |
| All the interesting personalities I met there. | |
| 4. | Where to shop great supplies: |
| Apliu Street is my favorite destination in Kowloon for electronic components, second hand camera and other audio technique items. | |
| 5. | What you should definitely bring with you from home: |
| Nothing. | |
| 6. | Concerning art at this destination and where I visited the best exhibitions: |
| During the time of Art Basel Hong Kong it was pretty overwhelming in the city. But I definitely recommend Parasite, the Blindspot Gallery, Empty Gallery, Asian Art Archive, Taikwun and M+. | |
| 7. | Around the studio – where I shop, drink my coffee and get the best lunch deal in walking distance: |
| I often went to the Aberdeen area on southwest Hong Kong Island. You can literally get everything you need for everyday life. | |
| 8. | Where I like to spend the evening (dinner, drinks, best sound and networking opportunity): |
| Twenty Alpha is definitely my favorite place for experimental music. Another one would be Thy Lab – an alternative art space for film and community-engaged art projects. | |
| 9. | What would have been useful to know before coming here and starting my residency: |
| Art Basel Hong Kong took place in the last week of March, and there was a lot going on in the city. It’s a good idea to check out the program in advance so you can plan your schedule. Some events need online reservations since places are limited, so it’s worth booking early to make sure you get into the ones you’re interested in. |
Website resident: yehui.org