當風吹過

Background

When the Wind Blows is a site-specific light installation inspired by the history of Pokfulam Village, one of Hong Kong’s oldest settlements. Established in the 17th century and later a post-war sanctuary for refugees, the village represents decades of organic urbanization. Today, its unique architectural tapestry of over 1,000 structures faces the persistent threat of redevelopment and demolition.

The Light Installation

The work draws inspiration from the village’s namesake: the Pok-fu (薄鳧), a wild bird once abundant in the area’s "Lam" (forests). By shaping the installation’s collective wind-vanes as these ancestral birds, the artist creates a poignant metaphor for resilience. Caught between modernization and preservation, the community—and the artwork—poses a central question: Do we stand against the wind, or fly with it?

Handcrafted by Chiyung WONG and his team, each resin-filled "House" serves as represenation of the collective village. The integration of modern LEDs within traditional house-shaped bulbs reflects the friction between new technology and heritage. Each night, a ten-minute "light poem" transforms the site, inviting spectators to reflect on life, hope, and the passage of time within this historic community.