Poetic projections bring public art to Hong Kong neighbourhood

Poetic projections bring public art to Hong Kong neighbourhood

A new artwork by renowned Australian artist and RMIT Industry Fellow Professor Mikala Dwyer has premiered in Hong Kong as part of the Re: Tai Kok Tsui public art project.

The work is a collaboration between RMIT University School of Art and the Hong Kong Arts Centre, with support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program.

Dwyer’s artwork, 'Phantasms’ is a series of digital projections which consider the impact of urban renewal on ecological changes, through poetic projections of the locally familiar barn swallow. 

The projections can be found around public spaces in the neighbourhood of Tai Kok Tsui in Hong Kong.  

The artworks are part of a broader urban renewal project led by Hong Kong Arts Centre in Tai Kok Tsui, which considers how public art can connect community, place, heritage and inspire ideas about sustainable living.

28 January 2025

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Professor Mikala Dwyer with her artwork, Phantasms, in Hong Kong. Professor Mikala Dwyer with her artwork, Phantasms, in Hong Kong.

Associate Professor Kristen Sharp, Associate Dean, Art, said  the project was a wonderful extension of RMIT’s 25-year educational partnership with the Hong Kong Arts Centre. 

“’Phantasms’ creates new opportunities for exchange of ideas and methodologies and helps connects communities to their neighbourhood and urban transformations,” she said.

“Public art is such an important part of civic life, offering connection and moments of beauty to our daily lives. Mikala’s new work is a stunning contribution to the Tai Kok Tsui project and our ongoing collaboration with the Hong Kong Arts Centre.” 

Sharp and Dr Tammy Wong Hulbert were also involved in the project, having led a community citizen-artist workshop reflecting on urban environments and human/nature relationships, and a public symposium speaking to the themes of the project and urban renewal with stakeholders across government, industry and community.

The work was officially launched on 6 January 2025 with representatives from Hong Kong Arts Centre, RMIT University, the Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong and member of the community in attendance. 

 

Story: Rosie Shepherdson-Cullen

28 January 2025

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Poetic projections bring public art to Hong Kong neighbourhood

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