Art Piece in The Wai

Away from shopping and leisure, we also value artistic color in life. The Wai displays a diverse array of artworks in different corners in our spacious mall, varying in styles from noble to contemporary, enabling you to enjoy an artistic escape from the hectic urban life.

Reborn

Artist: Zheng Lu

Artist Biography
Zheng Lu graduated from Lu Xun Fine Art Academy, Shenyang, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture in 2003. In 2007, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the Central Academy of Fine Art, Beijing, while also attending an advanced study program at The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts in Paris in 2006 after being awarded the LVMH Young Artists' Award.

Zheng Lu’s work is very poetic and contemporary. He got his global recognition starting from the “Water in Dripping” series. All of his work is full of ideas of tension, contradiction and modulation. The best way to understand these contradictions is as the interplay between Yin and Yang, positive and negative space, stillness and movement, light and shadow, reflection and dissipation, classicism and modernity, visual and textual thinking, depth and surface, signifier and signified.

The most obvious contradiction is the portrayal of moving water in a still form, whether it is in his “Water in Dripping” series, or in his “Shiosai” series where the sculptures quite literally offer a reflection, distorting the image in the waves. Through static objects, these sculptures shimmer, offering hints of motion.

Zheng Lu has participated in numerous exhibitions in China and abroad, including at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei; the Museum on the Seam, Jerusalem; The Ekaterina Cultural Foundation, Moscow; Musée Océanographique, Monaco; Musée Maillol, Paris; the National Museum of China, Beijing; the Long Museum and the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art, Shanghai. His work is in collections worldwide including the Long Museum, Shanghai; Suzhou Museum, China; and the UBS collection.
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Mid-Life Refurbishment (MLR) Trains
The MTR East Rail Line (EAL) MLR trains retired in May 2022 and were replaced by the new trains to give passengers advanced travelling experience along with the EAL cross harbour extension that commenced service on 15 May 2022.

The electrified trains of EAL had been in service for 40 years and had significant historical connection to the community. These trains were originally introduced into service as first-generation electrified trains, also called “Yellow Head”, back on 6 May 1982 before their mid-life refurbishment between 1996 and 1999. The Corporation has explored various ways of taking care of retired trains under the Legacy Train Revitalisation Programme, including donation to community members to give a second life to the train compartments and parts. The Corporation embraces the enthusiasm of the artist Mr. Zheng Lu in putting his imagination into context to connect MTR innovatively with the community.



Artwork Statement
The artist is inspired by the MLR trains and its fine details, leading to his creation and reconstruction of a new form of monumental artwork by reassembling these metal parts and obsolete items in an artistic form to bring back collective memories.

From the back and side, visitors will see details of the technical parts collected from the obsolete trains. The artwork is like deconstruction in imaginary forms, with these metal parts in an engaging artistic setting, creating a visually interesting mechanical collage. At the front, it is a surreal and abstract reconstructed train head using parts from the original train. The new contemporary look of the train head attempts to create more interpretations from the viewers and allows the viewers to closely experience the sheer scale of the train.

Apart from attracting visitors to examine the artistic details in the composition, the artwork can also encourage lots of imagination curiosity with the complex structure. Although there are many details inside, the outer cover is sleek and contemporary to amalgamate the artpiece into the fine setting of the retail mall.

Clouds of Dreams

Artist: Kum Chi Keung

Artist Biography
Kum Chi Keung is one of the most successful Hong Kong sculptural artist and has represented Hong Kong in many international biennials and exhibitions.

For nearly two decades, Kum Chi Keung has made birdcages his sole artistic language and experimented with their appearances and connotations. To him, this art is an endless source of inspiration and interpretation. By transforming common objects into artworks, he articulates the dynamics of urban lifestyle through site-specific installations for numerous organisations and locations.

Kum has participated in numerous important exhibitions and biennales in places such as the United States, Germany, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In 1998, his work has been selected in the 11th Biennale of Sydney International Contemporary Art Exhibition. He was also one of the eight Hong Kong artists who was selected to create work in response to a chosen piece in the Hong Kong Museum of Art’s permanent collection to celebrate the re-opening of the museum with the exhibition, Classics Remix: The Hong Kong View-point.

His work was also acquired by different top luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior in Asia. Also well collected by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, M+ Museum, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of China.

The artist continues the traditional Chinese practice of birdcage-making and expands the creative possibilities of the common birdcage by varying its size, design, use of material and placement.


Artwork Statement

Physically delicate yet conceptually strong, this elegant and powerful sculptural bamboo installation developed from the metaphor of bird cages. Through the shape of clouds, Kum Chi Keung explores themes of thinking and dreams with technical virtuosity in bamboo construction.

This bamboo art installation explores themes of thinking and dreams through the shape of clouds. It includes 24 figures with bamboo wings, such as cars, trees, planes and flying human figures, symbolising the infinite possibilities of chasing dreams and aspirations of everyone. His original cloud concept artworks were exhibited at the Hong Kong Museum of Art a couple of years ago with critical acclaim.

With the height of this sculpture, visitors from the upper level and at the skylight atrium can view the cloud sculptures and figures from different angles. Apart from that, visitors can stand underneath the clouds and immerse themselves in the casting cloud shadow.

W

Artist: Danny Lee Chin-fai

Artist Biography
A renowned sculptor in Hong Kong, Lee Chin-fai Danny, his sculptures could be seen as a contemporary and three-dimensional interpretation of the Ink Art aesthetics, through which combines the East with the West; the contemporary with the traditional, and ultimately crystallizes different value systems into a coherent embodiment. He is most known for his water-themed stainless steel sculptures.Lee’s work has been widely collected by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum; the Hong Kong Arts Centre; the Chinese University of Hong Kong; the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; the Hong Kong Airport Authority; the Hong Kong Hospital Authority; the MTR Corporation, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Many of his work have been selected for many exhibitions at home and abroad, including the Hong Kong Art Biennial, Volume & Form; the Singapore Sculpture Fair ‘99; L’Art de Vivre La Différence (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France); Vision of Nature: Lost & Found in Asian Contemporary Art (Hong Kong Arts Centre); and Hong Kong Visual Art Society Annual Exhibitions.


Artwork Statement
Danny Lee's sculpture sources from the spirit of Chinese ink art and the Hong Kong landscape, and surrounds the dualistic propositions between nature and the city. By using his signature material, stainless steel, the shimmering and reflective stainless steel blends with the surrounding environment and ultimately opens up an artistic dialogue.

From the distinctive and iconic name of the brand-new shopping retail mall The Wai, artwork “W” is a new attempt for the artist to create a 7-metre tall stainless-steel coloured sculpture. The abstract and exaggerated expression of the letter “W” is placed at the mall arrival plaza not only to attract travellers but also to welcome them as a gathering place. Besides, the curvy form of the sculpture allows public interaction while enjoying the 3D sculpture from different angles. In terms of colour selections, the artist chose the contrasting colours from the mall logo and blended them into the sculpture, creating a unique and exclusive site-specific landmark for The Wai. At night, a LED glowing beam of the sculpture enlights the whole arrival plaza, bringing two kinds of enjoyment throughout the day and night. 

Teddy's Adventure

Artist: Kevin Fung Lik-yan

Artist Biography
Best known for his iconic wooden sculptures, Fung Lik Yan also works with stone and metal. A former engineer, his fine craftsmanship and profound concerns for the middle-class experience in Hong Kong characterise his sculptures. For many years the artist lived a double life: he worked as engineer during the day and a sculptor at night. Fung eventually gave up his engineer job to fully immerse himself in creating art. His art represents the daily routines of Hong Kong’s middle class, as well as the challenges and pressures they face. His works illustrate his vision of life. Fung considers the interaction of different walks of life and the daily routine of labour as the fabric of society.

Through his works, he also depicts the impact these activities have on the people. Putting viewers under an objective lens, the artist’s works direct them to reflect on their city lifestyles: in this urban modern lifestyle, spending has become the sole purpose of working and earning cash. He thus leads viewers to evaluate their core values in life.

Fung has participated in a number of exhibitions in Hong Kong, China and overseas. His works can often be viewed in public spaces such as shopping malls and mass transit station in both Hong Kong and China. In 2005, his work has been selected for the 15th Hong Kong Art Biennial. Fung has been appointed by The Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong Government as Museum Expert Adviser in 2014. In 2018, he received the certificate of Commendation from Home Affairs Bureau of Hong Kong SAR for making outstanding contributions to the development of Arts and culture.


Artwork Statement
Best known for his iconic wooden sculptures, Kevin Fung also mastered metal and stone. Kevin’s works usually illustrate his vision of life and middle-class experience in Hong Kong. For generations, the teddy bear has always been one of the most popular choices of toys for adults and children alike. In “The Teddy Family”, Kevin wants to bring comfort and joy to everyone, evoking a sense of companionship and security. The artist also applies several metal textures for the artwork to allow the viewers to have a more versatile interaction with the artwork. 

This set of two sculptures is placed along the terrace lawn area attracting visitors to explore, interact and enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscape along the walking path. Inspired by the concept of a train engineer, the baby teddy assembles the toy train with his tools while the big teddy is dreaming of a trip on the rail. Both teddies will become popular friends of The Wai, drawing young friends and families to come and interact with them. 

Echo with Clouds - Tai Wai

Artist: Kay Chan Wan Ki

Artist Biography
Kay is an artist specialising in sustainable concept and design, she takes part in art and design projects that promote community and environmental inclusion. Kay graduated from the School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University majoring in industrial design in 2009. Since then she has created numerous art and design services through community-based intervention, branding and event curation to enable meaningful and positive cultural and environmental values in public urban space developments.

She is also the co-founder of Good Day Society, KaCaMa Design Lab and currently developing various initiatives as an independent designer. Her major projects include Cultural Backyard at Mody Road Garden for “City Dress Up: Seats．Together” (2017) and Tsuen Wan Yi Pei Square Playground as part of “Play is for the People” by Design Trust Futures Studio (2018). She also participated in various local and overseas joint exhibitions, including “Design Co-CAMP”, “DXHK Bangkok Design Week”, “Hong Kong x ASM Community”, “Revive: Salted Fish”, “DMY International Design Festival Berlin”, etc. Cultural Backyard at Mody Road Garden was awarded “DFA Design for Asia Awards 2018- Merit Awards” and “Revive: Salted Fish” was awarded “Asia Design Prize 2021- Gold Winner”. In 2019, Kay was invited to a group exhibition for the first exhibition of the HKMOA’s reopening.

Artwork Statement
Hong Kong is a city of mountains. Every hike in the mountains is like a journey of discovery ― a new destination, a new direction, a new path, a new scenery, and a new self. Hills and mountains become a place for us to contemplate about life.

Surrounding Tai Wai there are the scenic Lion Rock Hill and Kam Shan, “Echo with clouds - Lion Rock & Kam Shan” is an outdoor installation developed around hills and clouds. For the larger-sized Lion Rock Hill, the lush forest and the Lion entrenched on the top of the mountain silhouetted the spiritual value shared by generations. Meanwhile, the neighbouring Kam Shan, which is located in the southwest of Tai Wai, is famous for the group of macaques that live in the mountains. The dexterous and lively macaques reflect the flexibility of Hong Kong people, where people and nature meet each other. This art installation combines two mountains. The smooth and reflective blocks are layered to form the outline of the rolling hills, and the colour of the work changes with natural sunlight to reflect the transience of the clouds.

Imagine walking by and interacting with the surrounding environments- Lion Rock Hill, Kam Shan and the clouds, listening to the wind and different conversations, can sound beyond the urban development be heard?

Processing Numerous Peaks - Animal Series

Artist: Huang Zhi Yang

Artist Biography
Huang Zhi Yang was born in 1965 in Taipei, Taiwan, and graduated from the Taipei Chinese Cultural University in 1989 majoring in Chinese traditional ink painting.

The style of his works has an introverted, traditional oriental flavour, and the expression is rich and varied, Huang Zhi Yang, works freely between painting and installation and sculpture, and he quietly fermented his own free and Oriental style of art creation under the understated and mild appearance.

Huang Zhi Yang has been exhibited extensively throughout New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Taiwan, and Germany, and has been shown at the National Art Museum of China (Beijing) and Shanghai World Expo. In 1995, he was the featured artist of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and has earned his way into the collections of UBS Bank (Switzerland), the US State Department’s Art in Embassies Program, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and Hong Kong Museum of Art. He has a permanent public installation in Xintiandi, Shanghai, and a retrospective of his work was held at the National Museum of China on Tiananmen Square in Beijing from March to April 2014.

Huang’s works can be found amongst others in the UBS Art Collection, Switzerland, the Deutsche Bank Collection, Germany, the Barclays Bank Art Collection, Singapore, the collection of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies, USA, and the collections of the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, Taiwan, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Taiwan, the Guangdong Museum of Art, Guangzhou, and the National Museum of China, Beijing.


Artwork Statement

Renowned for his massive granite sculpture series “Possessing Numerous Peak”, Huang Zhi Yang freely fermented his own oriental style of art created under the understated and mild appearance.

 “Processing Numerous Peaks - Animal Series” uniquely captured different attractive forms to create a mini animal park on the lawn based on the pet concept. The shapes of these ridges are artistically styled, also allowing viewers to relate them with the beautiful shape of clouds and mountains surrounding Tai Wai. 

Most importantly, this set of work also reveals a common “unity of the universe — of humankind, microscopic life forms, plant life, and all other forms of presence” and is welcoming for all ages.