Our creativity is born out of the experiences we have from our daily lives. Whether it be creative design or artistic creation, maintaining a sense of curiosity to our surroundings in life and cultivating our knowledge and perception of different cultural domains are what allows us to develop our unique perspectives and artistic identities. Taking inspiration from his personal observations, knowledge, and experiences in daily life, artist Hong Ko creates large-scale public art installations to garner more awareness from the general public about this fascinating artform.

For the very first time, Ko is joining hands with Lee Gardens to introduce a distinctive and unique art installation at the very centre of a lifestyle hub – the hustling and bustling Atrium on the 1st Floor at Hysan Place. The Monumental Ink Art Installation, named “Message of Water,” will be on display to the public from 12 to 23 October, offering to bypassers a novel source of life inspiration. Let us explore the concepts behind this large-scale ink art installation, part of the INK ASIA 2023 event sponsored by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund.

【Design Inspiration】

The “Message of Water,” displayed at Hysan Place, is a set of artworks that reflects life in a metropolis environment. The blinking eyes seen in the emblem are from the “Blinkeyes” art series by Ko, who drew inspiration from Emoji expressions and designed the series as an impression and expression of the age marked by instantaneous succession of the old and new.

The artwork is composed of circular spheres and arc-shaped panels, visually resembling small puddles on the floor after a rainy day, with the only difference being their enlarged size that allows people to freely enter and explore. The mirrored stainless steel reflects the cityscape and passersby, who are then also incorporated into the art as part of the observed. The piece is also adorned with ink splash patterns, which not only aligns with the themes of Ink Asia, but also abstractly expresses the intrinsic relationship between water and ink, and the virtual and the real. As people and the city become part of the fluid part of the art, they leave a fleeting message in space and time.

【A New Experience of Artistic Creation】

Throughout the creative process, Ko hopes the “Message of Water” would provide audiences with a fresh appreciation and imagination of ink art. The main goal is to encourage public interaction with the art from varying perspectives, an open and playful attitude, and most importantly, a curious mindset. 

While the “Message of Water” predominantly connects with audiences through visual language, Ko looks forward to potential future collaborations with Lee Gardens to explore other ways to engage with the community, including spiritually and culturally. When you visit Lee Gardens Square to appreciate this artwork, consider examining the underlying concepts from multiple angles and transform the piece into your inspiration for life, imagination, and creativity.