A Hong Kong neighbourhood’s memories live on in metal artwork
Artist Chan Bo-fung puts the spotlight on the changing face of Tai Kok Tsui and its long-time residents in a new exhibition
Artist Chan Bo-fung works on one of his art pieces. Photo: Handout Every week, Talking Points gives you a worksheet to practise your reading comprehension with exercises about the story we’ve written
Growing up in Tai Kok Tsui, Hongkonger Mike Tso often gazed out his classroom window, captivated by a waterfront that would later be transformed by reclamation.
The area holds many fond memories for the 36-year-old, from spending time at Fu Tor Loy Shopping Centre after school to going bowling with a crush – back when he still carried a Nokia phone.
One figure warmly remembered in the neighbourhood is Da Yi, a stray dog who could often be found roaming around the Kowloon Funeral Parlour. Described as spiritual and obedient, the dog was also known for its quirky ability to unwrap a block of butter on its own.
Now, these collective memories of neighbourhood characters and artefacts live on through copper artist Chan Bo-fung’s works in a new exhibition as part of a community museum series organised by the Hong Kong Arts Centre.
The “Move on to TKT” exhibition features 10 metalwork pieces that reimagine old objects, reflecting Tai Kok Tsui’s ongoing renewal.
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“It’s not just about watching a community age and change – we can also appreciate these things as they grow old,” said Chan, also 36.
“People have different perspectives and memories when it comes to how a place changes ... The goal is to broaden our perspective.”
Chan drew inspiration from long-time residents such as Tso and storied shops that make up the fabric of the neighbourhood.
For one artwork, Chan used a piece of paper that Tso chose from his school days to symbolise how life starts as a blank page that gets filled with memories.
“Each neighbour has reshaped their own impressions of Tai Kok Tsui, moulding new memories of the place. It’s like metalwork, where we cast and mould,” Chan said.
“There’s a connection between this process and the changes happening in Tai Kok Tsui.”
Resilience on display
Tai Kok Tsui has always seen changes, evolving from a fishing port to an industrial area and a transport hub.
Chan’s artworks not only offer a glimpse into the transformation but also capture the emotions and memories of residents across generations, giving them a way to share their treasured memories.
Another resident featured in the pieces is Chiu Man-ho, known as “Ho Gor”, who has been running Heng Fat Mechanical Engineering for more than 40 years.
Starting work at the age of 14, he experienced the boom in demand for repairs of imported cars from the 1960s to 1980s, before interest dropped off when factories relocated to nearby mainland China.
Many hardware shops in the area have since closed.
But Chiu’s store has survived thanks to the increased need for mechanical repairs driven by new town developments, a reflection of the ongoing generational shifts and the area’s industrial changes.
Chan decided to create an artwork inspired by one of Chiu’s colonial-era tools, fusing it with a more modern device to emphasise the tension between generations and the resilience needed to adapt.
Collective memories
One figure that captivated Chan deeply was Da Yi, the stray dog cherished by locals and cared for by funeral worker Luk Wai-ming.
Saying goodbye is part of Luk’s daily work, as he regularly sees clients parting with their loved ones.
But Chan said when Luk lost his beloved Da Yi in a traffic accident in 2021, the funeral worker felt a different grief – one in which he could not say a true goodbye.
“Being able to say a proper goodbye to someone we love is not something we should take for granted,” Chan said.
To express this, the artist created a metal framework of Da Yi, styled like a traditional paper offering and wrapped in the dog’s favourite butter packaging.
“Paper offerings represent our tribute to ancestors. This metal version symbolises the reminiscence of the living,” he said.
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As urban transformation sweeps through the city, the exhibition raises the question of how residents can embrace change while seeking out new possibilities.
The community museum series, known as “RE: Tai Kok Tsui” and sponsored by the Urban Renewal Fund, began last year.
It uses art to unite and spark discussions about changes to the neighbourhood, while exploring three aspects: the past, present and future.
“Move on to TKT” focuses on the past, showcasing old shops and stories.
Other activities will tap into Tai Kok Tsui’s future possibilities.
The exhibition runs until December 31 at One Bedford Place in Tai Kok Tsui and is open to the public with free entry.
After the show, all artworks will be returned to those who provided Chan with inspiration.
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