“Home Sweet Home” exhibition lets visitors create their dream city

The “Open the Box: Home Sweet Home” exhibit unveiled at Tai Kwun on September 21 resembles a cardboard city. Participants of all ages select a plot, purchase a house, and design it anyway they wish to build their miniature town.

Started in London in 2006, the travelling exhibit has been to over 10 cities such as Scotland, Kyoto and  Berlin. It’s the creation of British artists Abigail Conway and Lucy Hayhoe. 

The piece was born from a desire for adults to play, and to create an environment that encouraged its audience to participate and take ownership of their individual experience. They want participants to interact with their neighbours, name their streets and work together to solve community problems.

“We want the audience to be artists as well,  I'm glad to see everyone enjoying themselves. It's a collective event where everyone is creating the town of their dreams,” Conway said.

Upon completion of their houses, participants are able to visit their “homes” between Sep.21 to Oct. 6, and will be invited to the closing party on Oct. 6, when they can take home their creation.

According to the Tai Kwun’s official website, the aim of this project is to provide participants with a transitory and socially engaging community experience while also encouraging them to deal with the changing nature of community and home.

“It’s a new experience for me. I am participating in interactive art for the first time,where I can build my villa with my family,” said Lulu Xu, 40, who was there with her five-year-old son and daughter.

Lee Nok-yiu, 20,  a university student, built her own tree house. “We can work together to build a better town, and communicate with our neighbours. Many Hong Kong  people live in very small places, so this is a very rare opportunity to build a big pretty house,” she said.

Eva Choi, 40, created a houseboat with her six-year-old daughter Azaria Chu. “We were able to perform freely and simulate a society, which was a good opportunity to stimulate my child’s creativity and make her realise the importance of social cooperation,” Choi said.

Participants can write anything about the community on a notice board, which is filled with drawings and inspirations for community programming and events.

The exhibition will be open till Oct. 6. Tickets are $120 which includes one set of material pack and entry fee for up to three people.