Memories can seem to be far away yet so near; our lives cannot be without memories. Any place, and even a country’s history, is composed by countless small stories and memories weaved together.
As for the story of this Hong Kong small city … it is a long saga, of a hundred winters and summers, enmeshed with so many people’s sorrows and joys. Since the 1960s, Hong Kong industries developed and prospered, due to many people’s sweat and effort in creating the world-famous brand “Made in Hong Kong”, and to build up Hong Kong’s distinctive role within the world’s industrial exports.
In this exhibition, a large-scale installation called the “Memory Factory” will be situated at the main venue courtyard, to bring to life again the old days of the plastic flower factories and the textile factories, where visitors can participate in the assembly work of factory production lines. In the process, visitors can re-explore this episode from Hong Kong’s memories, and they may also use their own memories to creatively “add” to their end-product. The aim is to let audiences experience first-hand the spirit and values behind the manufacturing labour force of the old days, and to re-build in the present day a value system based on human values, to assist each other and to cheer each other on.
In the exhibition hall, there is an extension of the “Memory Factory” where the “Made in Hong Kong” exhibition is conducted. Local industrial products from the early years are on display, such as plastic appliances, toys, packaging, and Chinese medicines. These distinguished products, evoking memories of the golden days of Hong Kong industries, will provide a good chance for our modern-day designers to appreciate their product ingenuity and thereby derive inspiration. We do believe that good designs and products start from the detailed observation and experience of life, and through steadfast trials and transformations, laudable end-products are achieved.
The splendour and prosperity of Hong Kong today came from the work of the previous generation, where they sought for their dreams and for an improvement to their livelihood, and where they laid down their youth and the best they could give. Apart from this being worthy of our comprehension, we shall moreover be proud for them, for their dedication and their achievements.
Simon Go
Curator
