Juju Wang
Chinese artist whose work seeks to reintroduce tradition to urban architecture

This year has not been an easy ride. In 2020, I learned to appreciate the small things and pleasures of life, to be grateful for the wonderful family that I have. I realised how things that seemed insignificant, like breakfast with all of us or just playing with my daughter, are the real moments that count the most. What kept me grounded was this time spent with my dearest ones, and the fact that I continued to think and produce art. It was a time for reflection over the outside world and also for self-reflection.

Art and art therapy has also had an important role during this period. I learned that many of my concerns, fears and insecurities can be healed by the power of looking at art, recognising the inspiring stories behind it, and understanding that there are many things to look forward to.

Exercising and producing art never left me, and many of my new works were born in that [lockdown] period. [My artwork] Kimo-Kawa, for example, shows the duality of the world we live in—’kimo’ meaning ‘disgust’ and ’kawa’ translated as ‘beauty’. [It tells] a story of a ‘disgustingly beautiful’ object born from the conflicting and opposite, yet complementary aspects of the reality that surrounds us—the same reality that through lockdown, showed us where true beauty and happiness lies.

Because of the lockdown, I had enough time to be introspective and to actually look at what is happening on a personal and intimate level, as well as taking the time to observe what the world really looks like nowadays. I was always going through life at such a fast pace, it was so hard to really stop and take the time to reflect internally. Had we not had this time, I’m sure that some of my works would have never been created.

Life helps me grow up, while art gives me the opportunity to express the stories and emotions I am going through. Through my art I want to show the world that everything happens with a purpose, and that we should all learn from this to become our better selves.

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Marisa Yiu
Founding partner of Hong Kong design and research studio Eskyiu, and co-founder and executive director of Design Trust

In the challenging context of the ongoing pandemic, and so many unknowns, I channeled a lot of new energy by creating, building and testing a new micro-initiative called Design Trust: Critically Homemade. I wanted to restore some social connection, spark collaboration across the design community and [showcase] their innovative creations to benefit and inspire the greater public.

This project has been fast-paced, yet sometimes there are moments of calm and repose; it has pushed me and motivated me to keep going. For me, protecting my creativity was under no limitations to “protect” per se, but to keep going, stay positive, build dialogue and connect with many creatives on this initiative.

As this is still ongoing. Design Trust: Critically Homemade is a reflection of the true spirit of Hong Kong—its ingenuity, creativity, humour, practicality, resourcefulness and diversity. It serves as a reminder of our shared experience, values and the humbling power of the community to come together to support each other. The adrenaline and motivation is still alive—I am not ready to stop. I have to admit, my creativity is fueled by other people’s creativity, as well as their willingness to experiment, collaborate and foster dialogue on the powerful role that design can play.

Interviews were edited for brevity and clarity.