combined art trip with RGS, RI and YISS
Here, There, Everywhere
it was a fruitful trip, not "kong" at all.
too many photos (combinding 5 teachers' cameras plus selected pictures from 34 students' cameras), still in the process of compiling. I'll just post some here for breaking this long portion of text.
i was last in Hong Kong some 18 or 20 years ago (yes, so long ago!) and the biggest difference I found is that you don't just hear cantonese as the only spoken language anymore. Many places we visited, people are willing to speak to us in mandarin and not give us the look when we try to communicate in our broken cantonese. however, the unfriendliness is still a trademark of HK, unless you know the person, or they are expecting to meet you. many china citizens are there and somewhat add to the change of culture there.
after the first day, i've realised that not only my kids will be learning things from this trip, i would too. it's a lot to cramp into 6 days, and at times i don't deny it's a bit info-over-flowing. those were the times i must shut off cos i can't take in anymore. otherwise it has always been inspiring almost every minute.
the kids melting into the fast pace of HKer's lifestyle (ironically, the escalator was broken down)
as usual, we can't find keith - here are 9 out of 10 kids. there were many "where's keith?" moments.
The C&G People
the 3 days art workshop was organised by C&G Artpartment. the name is kind of corny but definitely not the people. C&G is run by husband and wife team, Clara and Gum. that is why it's called C&G. their studio/workshop is in one of the tiny apartments along Sai Yeong Choi Street, those old walk-up narrow stairs place. i saw those a lot on HK drama series, but never been to one till now.
as for the "Artpartment" portion, i guess it's Art + Apartment then.... that's HK english for you. Clara speaks great english, totally with american accent. Gum is a soft-spoken man with video camera and a big smile. both without artists attitude, totally genuine and we were glad to have them work with the kids so patiently.
walking up the flight of narrow stairs to C&G Artpartment. we were scolded by another shop owner downstairs when the whole group of us have to stand in the front of his shop for a while waiting for the rest to go up in single file.
the final project the kids attempted to do at the end of the 2nd day workshop. C&G was very nice to have printed these banners for us, in both english and cantonese.
and this is one of the millions of photos we took during their performance art on a very busy street.
visiting the varies independent art galleries along the street gave the kids opportunities to see some art works they only seen it on catalogues or books. experiencing the various sizes of gallery spaces pose a different manner of art teaching. i would not have walked into these galleries myself too when i know i'm not going to buy an artwork - they look too high class. but stepping inside, you feel the warmth of the gallery manager, and get inspired by the art works. later i realised, the service culture in HK is very different from spore. they dont bother you to ask if you need any help or ask what you are looking for when you first stepped into the shop. i appreciate the personal space they gave to others. when you finaly approach them, they served you well.
being influenced by the galleries walk and the studio visit, somehow, most things become even more visually artistic before me. the studio visit also allows us and the kids to have closer interactions with the artist. they were right before us for us to ask questions and questions. most of them have taken the move to shift from a paying job into working on their art full-time. the artists in HK are still looking into getting more support from the government, people and the country. they want to be able to not worry about rent, and concentrate on producing good works.
that's Clara, receiving a token of appreciation from us. Gum, as usual, standing behind with his video camera :)
The School Of Creativity
This is, in our impression, like our SOTA + Northlight.
we were there on a quick tour, just over an hour. the presenters have to speak fast, we have to walk fast, and definitely snapping our cameras fast.
it's like SOTA cos it's an Art School, for kids of 15 to 18 years of age. it's like Northlight cos the students are more active, hands-on type and not so brilliant in their other subjects other than Art. some of our kids (and even teachers) love it here cos they seem to be a bit more flexible and free. they have forums every friday for school and students to discuss on issues in school, for example, "why can't we doodle on the tables"? somehow they resolve the issue, and as we tour around the school we see "artistic vandalism". oh, they also have, erm, like 9 sets of uniforms, so that students can mix and match, and they may wear them with necklaces, bracelets, belts, etc.
hmmmm....
what we didn't get to see are completed works by students, mostly the half-done, or in-progress we should call it. not sure about the credibility of the final outcome of these kids too... as in, what do they receive at the end of the 4 yrs education here. do they get into college? university? don't think they have resolve that.
otherwise, it is a most inspiring place to learn art, also to teach art :) the cemetry just opposite the school site pose as good inspiration for the students, according to one teacher there.
now, with such a signage, you won't have fears going to see the Principal at his office, would you?
one of the many "vandalism art" you can see there. they have morning workout everyday for everyone... happy almost like eating happy meal.
outside a typical classroom. they have lockers outside every room and the students can do up the exterior and interior of their classrooms.
they post their "voices" quite freely. i kinda like this post.
it says "going to school is as if you're drawing in a prison"
canvas is not the only place to make art.
one of their art studios.
Disneyland
can't say much here, by then we were exhausted, and we brought our dreams back, to reality.
farewell hong kong, farewell siew mai, har kaw.
reader k | 11/23/2008 11:07:00 PM | 1 comments
