Wood is a gift from nature, a tactile, living material. Not only are wooden objects extensions of the life of a tree, they are also manifestations of the relationship with the craftsmen who give the objects a soul. From gathering the raw materials through the making process to the finished pieces, each craftsman puts in their sweat and tears, overcoming challenges and continuously enhancing their skills, to produce the wooden objects in front of our eyes.
From small decorative to big furniture pieces, "Stories Encapsulated: Wood" presents objects in wood made by Hong Kong artisans showcasing the unique styles, techniques and heritage in our city. The exhibition also features collaborations between traditional craftsmen and contemporary artisans across generations and disciplines. Together they inspire each other and integrate their collective skills and passion for creating new works in wood for our contemporary lifestyle. Selected pieces from overseas artisans will be showcased alongside, allowing the audience to view our local craft in a global context.
We hope to bring audiences along in our journey to explore the generations of skills and mastery in the craft of wood within Hong Kong and beyond, while unfolding the craftsmanship, stories and emotional connections between the craftsmen and their works.
Penelope Luk
Creative Director, Crafts on Peel Foundation and Co-curator