Pixelated Chronicles: Tales of Hong Kong Outlying Islands | Wyndham Social × Project: As If ___

Wyndham Social gladly presents Pixelated Chronicles: Tales of Hong Kong Outlying Islands, a research exhibition by Project: As If ___, a Hong Kong design and research group founded by the architect duo Leroy Cheng and Vanessa Ma.

𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘹𝘵𝘺-𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘱𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘰𝘯𝘨.

On this journey, fragments of images flow and intertwine through the space, gradually revealing the past, present, and future of these islands surrounding us. Countless pixels formed by each of us layer upon one another, coalescing into a vivid yet mottled tapestry, unveiling the rich layers of Hong Kong's urban transformation.

The term "pixel" derives from the fusion of "pic" (picture) and "el(ement)," which denotes the smallest unit in a digital image. Similar to urban planning, each spatial moment represents the hues and stories that compose the city. Pixelated Chronicles employs images as a medium, adopting collage and layering techniques—up close, they appear fragmented and chaotic; yet from afar, they unveil endless possibilities for expansion and interpretation. By incorporating the element of time, the compressed information within each space silently chronicles our city's developmental path and envisions numerous potential futures.

Islands are often imagined as small, alienated and remote, dependent on the mainland and parasitic to the metropolis. But is this perception of the islands, with which we have grown up, accurate? This research and curatorial project, based on the urban studies framework of architect Aldo Rossi and the perspective of island studies scholar Brian McGrath that "Islands are Urban Artifacts," explores how islands are integral components of the city of Hong Kong.

The exhibition also resonates with the concept of the Diffused City, presenting how islands coexist symbiotically with our understanding of urban spaces, intertwining unique cultures, histories, customs, and developments. It expands our concept of the city and its potential forms while challenging conventional thoughts on shaping future cities.

The exhibition is held at Wyndham Social, an arts and cultural space located on Wyndham Street Street in Central. Situated in the heart of old Central, Wyndham Street developed from the mid-19th century as a landing point into a financial metropolis, witnessing Hong Kong's evolution over different eras and stages. The personal stories and community spirit in the surrounding area seem at odds with the towering skyscrapers, yet they coexist, blend, and collide throughout the city's development. In facing the various possibilities that shape the urban landscape, we look from a corner of the city centre towards the islands, reflecting on the hidden small communities behind the urban facade. The intertwining of diverse historical and cultural elements brings forth different challenges and dimensions in contemplating the city's development journey.

Since its establishment in August 2022, Wyndham Social has been dedicated to supporting local artists and providing a platform for artists from diverse cultural backgrounds to showcase their work, encouraging interaction among cultural enthusiasts. During this exhibition period, a series of public engagement activities will be held, including discussions covering topics such as village studies and architectural design, lighthouses and Hong Kong's maritime history, and artists' imaginations of deserted islands. Additionally, there will be a zine-making workshop led by a book artist, inviting the public to express their visions through handmade creations, collectively building a dialogue about the history and future of Hong Kong's islands.

𝗣𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
Presented by Wyndham Social and Project: As If ___
23 Aug - 6 Oct 2024
G/F, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
11:00am-9:00pm daily

Details of Workshop and Sharing Sessions: https://linktr.ee/wyndhamsocial