2025. Anita Chan Lai-ling Gallery, Fringe Club, Hong Kong.
For visitors in mainland China who cannot access the video, please use this link: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1ZYoUBVEXm/
Spark is the glow of incense burning and a symbol of preserving Hong Kong’s incense culture. Most traditional festivals originated from the ancients’ observations and understanding of nature. For centuries, incense has been central to rituals honouring heaven and earth. This sound map features six incense-related festival soundscapes: the Birthday of Tin Hau, the Birthday of Che Kung, the First Incense Offering during the Lunar New Year, the Yu Lan Festival, the Mid-Autumn Fire Dragon Dance and the Birthday of Kwan Tai. Each soundscape is linked to a corresponding wooden panel, illuminating a panel to hear its sound.
Through listening, we can perceive the uniqueness of Hong Kong’s festivals: vibrant drums and folk music, strong community bonds, active participation, and enduring traditions. Despite evolving challenges, a single spark can start a prairie fire. Like the deep roots of the incense tree, incense culture remains embedded in society, inspiring a sense of heritage and responsibility.
