Hedy Leung has created a series of vessels titled “202200080026” (2023), embodying diasporic sentiments. The artwork derives its name from the title format found in her visual Ikebana diary and personal journal, making it a fitting record of her transition from her homeland to a new destination.
Hand-constructed, the vessels are fortified using packing materials. The first layer comprises sheer papers received from a logistics company, followed by newsprint wrapping papers forming the second layer. Strengthening the final layer are newspapers collected from an Ikebana tools supply shop where she sourced materials from Japan. To further infuse the artwork with the spirit of her journey, the artist dyed the newspapers using the iconic Hong Kong Red-White-Blue bag colours.
Originating in Hong Kong, the striped polyethylene laundry bag gained prominence in the construction sector. Eventually, it evolved into a carrier bag, frequently used to ferry essentials from Hong Kong to mainland China in the 1970s and 1980s. This bag met the practical needs of migrants due to its affordability and widespread availability and it has transplanted around the world with different new identities[1].
In the opening performance, as the artist interacts with the green materials and vessels, she invites the audience to reflect on the essence of Ikebana—to live in the moment. The vessels encapsulate memories that document Hedy’s personal and emotional journey, gently reminding us to cherish what is precious.
Hedy’s artistic approach, where water is absent from this performative installation, symbolises the natural course of life, which may not always align with societal norms or our personal expectations. Over time, the green materials will naturally fade and wither, serving as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of all things, including life itself. Throughout the exhibition, these green materials will remain preserved within the artwork, inviting viewers to observe the ikebana arrangement in transformation of the moment.
1 Ling, Wessie. / A Bag of Remembrance : A Cultural Biography of Red-White-Blue, from Hong Kong to Louis Vuitton. European Fashion: The Creation of a Global Industry. editor / Regina Lee Blaszczyk ; Véronique Pouillard. Manchester, UK : Manchester University Press, 2018. pp. 283-301
