Tai Kwun exhibition aims to shed light on the difficulties faced by Hong Kong youth
- Event from NGO Breakthrough will feature an interactive art display, conferences, and dialogues on mental health and local social impact initiatives
“#HereWeAre: Exhibition x Youth Dialogue x Conference” is a three-part event organised by youth NGO Breakthrough. Photo: Dickson LeeAn art exhibition at Tai Kwun hopes to highlight challenges faced by the city’s younger generation by showcasing clay sculptures made by 50 Hong Kong youth from diverse backgrounds.
The three-part event, “#HereWeAre: Exhibition x Youth Dialogue x Conference”, was organised by youth NGO Breakthrough. It features an interactive art display, conferences, and a series of youth-led dialogues by 12 speakers dedicated to mental wellness and social impact initiatives in Hong Kong.
Among the youth participants is Form Six student Gurung Sahin. She designed an oil clay figure with flower hair, blindfolded eyes, and cracks on the cheeks to encourage young people to embrace vulnerability.
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Explaining her sculpture, Sahin, an 18-year-old who recently sat for her university entrance exam, shared that it symbolised individuals grappling with mental health issues yet striving to spread positivity and support to others.
“There are some cracks that have appeared on the sculpture, representing the personal problems I have been facing that have pushed me to the edge of breaking,” she said.
“The blindfold serves as a reminder that sometimes, to continue being a caring person, it is necessary to put ourselves first by taking the time to heal and replenish.”
Sahin hoped her sculpture conveyed resilience and vulnerability while reminding viewers that self-prioritisation is not a selfish act but a crucial step in maintaining one’s emotional well-being.
“I hope that my and others’ artwork can inspire a sense of appreciation and self-reflection within the audience,” she said.
The exhibition marks Breakthrough’s 50th anniversary and addresses the challenges and aspirations of the city’s youth. The goal is to foster discussions on mental well-being and personal development through data and immersive art installations.
Leung Pak-kin, Breakthrough’s associate general secretary, said these events provided a platform for youth expression and public understanding of their circumstances.
“Given the significant changes in Hong Kong over the past few years, young people may struggle to express themselves or find support,” he said.
“Many people do not fully grasp the challenges faced by young people. Therefore, through this exhibition, we aim to bring the people of Hong Kong together to listen to their voices.”
Veteran paediatrician Lam Ching-choi, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, echoed the need for a more supportive society for the city’s youth.
“In this day and age, young people face various pressures and challenges. They need not only material satisfaction but also ... to achieve self-actualisation. Building a more inclusive and understanding society is crucial to their development.”
The exhibition also employs inflatable art installations to create a resonating experience and delve into the tension and clash of voices affecting young people today, touching on topics like parental pressure regarding academics, feelings of isolation, and concerns about artificial intelligence.
Additionally, the NGO has invited 12 youth speakers to offer insights into their social impact projects, including Timmy Sum from environmental NGO Lab0ver, which is dedicated to tackling food waste; Hiuman Lam, author of Hong Kong Reminiscence: Document of Hong Kong’s Old Stores, and Owen Ng, a St Paul’s Co-educational College student who founded the student-led platform Game On HK in 2022, which offers free football training to underprivileged children.
“#HereWeAre: Exhibition x Youth Dialogue x Conference” runs until June 16 at Duplex Studio 01, Tai Kwun, Central.