Event: 這一代的六四

For the older generations in Hong Kong who witnessed June 4th 1989 through real-time feed from the media, it leaves an emotive memory even twenty three years later. But for the younger generations, such as those born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, what does June 4th mean for them? Children of these three decades were too young-- and perhaps not even born yet-- to have had the emotional and memory capacity to remember and feel the implications of 1989.


only learning about it through oral narratives from older family members, the calls from democratic political parties (don't be fooled by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, the DAB, despite them having the word 'Democratic' in their name. They are incredibly pro-Beijing, and in 2007 their ex-chairman Ma Lik tried to play down the killings that took place in Tiananmen), the media, and from the internet. Unlike in mainland China, the term '六四' (Chinese for June 4th) is not taboo, nor risky to use in the face of authorities; one could say that the current youths grew up alongside this term, and thus June 4th is cemented within the youth psyche. 

But what exactly does June 4th mean for youths? Without bearing direct witness and only relying on secondary sources, can the meanings from 1989 transcend into the present day? Or is it even important to keep the same meaning from the past; can the youths of today's Hong Kong create their own connection towards June 4th? (And is it enough to just be aware of the killings, and not to engage with it?)

This is what some Hong Kong youths try to address; one such effort manifests as an art performance on the streets of Causeway Bay, known as 這一代的六四. (Having to use the phrase 'art performance' as a way of describing it shows the limitations of the English language. The word 'performance' denotes a show meant for an audience, and contains a degree of entertainment value. The Chinese phrase used is '街頭藝術活動' which can be roughly translated to 'action of art' on the streets.) This is its third year in the running, where a group of youths (and some non-youths with a youthful spirit) with and without art training will stand on the street for two hours expressing their views and understanding of June 4th. There are a range of different art practices at play; performative art, contemporary dance, choir song, poetry reading, and paintings placed on the roadside for view. 

Some displays leaned towards the literal (harkening to the imagery of the Tiananmen tanks), others more abstract. Some worked together in groups, others alone. Some appeared to be a commentary on the killings and repression of 1989, others touching upon a more personal narrative. Some spoke of Beijing, others transcended the matter of site and focused on the practices of the Hong Kong mentality. Check out some photos:

People who encountered this performance may not necessarily understand or interpret what is going on (nor will I profess to have encompassing insight about all of it either), but then it seems superficial to assume that the various happenings of the night is only devoted to the entertainment or gratification of the passing public. (And so leads to a much bigger issue of about the nature of art itself, and the state of art education in Hong Kong...topics that I'm nowhere near qualified to ramble on about.) 


The street performance shouldn't be construed as a separate way of remembering June 4th, breaking away from the annual candlelight vigil at Victoria Park organized by formalized organizations, institutions, and political parties; many of the performers will also take part in that as well (this art event took place on the 3rd of June, so that there will be no clashes.) You could call it a supplement to the more 'mainstream' ways of remembering 1989, allowing a new avenue to explore and interact with this bit of unresolved history. 

Weekend: Yau Ma Tei (through Wooferten's Mobile Bar Battle)

Yau Ma Tei was originally a village, though the exact meaning of the name 'Yau Ma Tei', and the industry the name harkens from, is unknown. (Funnily enough, the MTR tried to name the station there as 'Waterloo', after Waterloo Road, when it first opened in the 1970s.) Urbanization made it almost unrecognisable from its historical image; it once had its own bay and beach, and now it is a part of a densely populated hub quite a ways from the water. You can tell how the coastline has shifted thanks to the aptly named Reclamation Street to the west. Following Wooferten during one of their weekend events was a good way to catch a glimpse of just how fascinating the area is. 

Wooferten (浩化廳) is one of my favourite places, calling itself as a community art space, something that is rather lacking in this city. And they do take 'community' seriously, welcoming neighbours to gather and sit in their space on Shanghai Street, and initiating outreach events to bring people together. 


Last weekend, Wooferten (alongside 素人之亂 from Japan, and with the help of Mr. J) hosted the Mobile Bar Battle , with the slogan of 'Hong Kong Never Drunk'. The purpose was to hand out free alcohol to the locals in the area, but instead of making them come to the art space to get it, the alcohol was brought to them. The event featured the locally-brewed Yau Ma Tei beer (see previous post), also providing a fair share of store-bought canned-beer, and miscellany alcohol that Mobile Bar Battle participants brought. As the visiting Japanese activist at Wooferten said, alcohol is a social lubricant, bringing people together. And true to his word, the turnout was awesome. 


Some photos to share: 

Wooferten at 404 Shanghai Street, just before setting out for the neighbourhood. It was hot, it was very sunny, it was sweat-inducing. But it was well worth going

Waving banners, pushing trolleys and carts of beer around. The planned route took us through a couple of blocks in the area

So adorable! But never fear, no minors were given alcohol. This little girl contented herself with Vita brand lemon tea and some roast pork from the cart

Walking past the corner houses (more details about these in a previous post) that are so common in the area. The great thing is that you can still see how 'lived-in' these buildings are

Couldn't resist photographing this wonderfully illustrated bag (reads 'this city is dying'), especially since it echoes the current sentiments of many young people in HK. 

Sharing the roast pork around. Couldn't grab a piece, since the young'uns and the elderly were given first dibs

Heading down the wet foods market on Nelson Street

Pouring alcohol to anyone (over 18!) who wanted it 

Cheers, matey! 

Ending the Mobile Bar Battle route at this local park. Live music, casual chats, a jovial atmosphere all around

Credit goes to Wooferten for their effort in providing the goods used in the Mobile Bar Battle

Overall, the event was well-received by people in the locality. There was the occasional person who overtly comments on how the Mobile Bar Battle group was 'being pointless' and 'doing something rubbish', but who cares? Local stall owners waved and sampled the alcohol, people in windows waved, and a lot of people were smiling as the group walked by. Patrolling policemen jokingly said they might try some when their shift ends. And the fun wasn't only experienced by the people we encountered, but the Mobile Bar Battle was also fun for those of us who tagged along. 

Event: Open Arts Handicraft Fair, JCCAC

Shek Kip Mei isn't exactly the hipster-hotspot of Hong Kong (see: Chai Wan or Sheung Wan), but the presence of the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre brings a nice youthful vibe to an area known for its ageing population. Normally the JCCAC is a hub for students of Baptist University/ art course enrollees, with the occasional wanderer to its galleries. 

But today the hip-factor skyrocketted with the Open Arts programme; the halls were roamed by packs of straw-hats, hand-made tunic tops, plaid shirts, cardigans, square-framed glasses, sockless loafer-wearers, patterned tights, and attitude. 

Hello, people! This was taken before the crowds started filing in. The temperature was close to 27 C (probably even higher in such an urban area), but did nothing to dampen the spirits of visitors.   

There were plenty of little stalls selling items of quality and originality (though one stall had a self-made plush Rilakkuma keychain on display. I wouldn't be so fast in jumping onto cries of 'plagiarism', since in Asian societies, imitation can be seen as a compliment.) Most stalls are run by individual designers based in Hong Kong, though some do have upscale platforms displaying their wares (e.g.in big shopping malls), and I did encounter a stall-owner from Macau. 

Goods being sold include small trinkets, jewellery, tote bags, clothing, camera straps, and personalized leather goods (iphone cases and wallets.)  I've chosen to highlight a few stalls; this doesn't mean the others weren't worth mentioning or of high standard, it just reflects my tastes: 

IAMKAMTY

(website: iamkamty/ facebook: iamkamty)

(Thanks to iamkamty for the details!)

Hand-painted shades. And you're allowed to try them on and take photos!

Awesome keychain of the stall-owner's own design, paid $68 for it. Earrings with a similar design go for about $25 each ($50/pair.) 

SINOGATNA

(facebook: sinogatna/ email: sinogatna@gmail.com/ blog: sinogatna.blogspot.com)

The HK-based designer/illustrator of these items infuses a lot of humour into her work. She is a lovely person to talk to, willing to answer questions without forcing you to buy anything (a rarity in 'hard-sell' Hong Kong.)  There is an online shopping website available, and she says that the space will be developed more fully soon.

TEMP HOUSE

(website: http://www.temphouse.hk)

Stall selling some of the prettiest illustrations I've seen. Then again, I favour fantastical imagery such as these done by William, the stall-owner (in photo.) Consists of a nice blend of the imaginary landscape with everyday Asian (maybe more HK-orientated) architecture we see, akin to what Hayao Miyazaki does in his impressive body of work. Anyways, the small postcards in the front of the desk go for about $20 each. (PS: William made that model of the house himself! A lot of detail, very intricate.) 

DA Dopamine

(email: dadopamine@gmail.com/ facebook: dopamine)

For those who love hair accessories and more. They make headbands, hair ties, and hair clips with bows made of  paper (which has been coated to make it water-resistant and stiff.) You'll find all kinds of paper used and arranged in specific ways, including; English, Chinese, and Japanese newspapers; envelopes; note papers and more...

MY LITTLE THING

(facebook: mylittlethingco)

This is one of the stalls that normally has pretty decent public exposure already, with their items found in shopping malls such as Megabox, The Peak, etc. They have a nice array of hand-made feminine jewellery.  The  prominent motifs seem to be derived from 'English' themes, with a lot of laced metal, styles from the Victorian era, with some pieces evoking 'Alice in Wonderland'. 

'Button-like' earrings for sale

The Handcrafts Fair will end on Sunday (the 18th of March 2012), but don't fret if one cannot make it before then! It will return on the 16th-17th of June later this year. 

Directions on how to get there: The JCCAC is located between the Sham Shui Po station of the Tsuen Wan line, and the Shek Kip Mei station of the Kwun Tong line. For unfit people like myself, the latter station is the better option as there is less uphill walking involved. But even with the Shek Kip Mei exit, this isn't a walk for the faint-hearted, especially in the summertime.