In some places, artists can be sent to jail for their creations. Here, it seems, some are going voluntarily.
Victoria Prison will be the venue for the annual Detour series of events, organised by Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design, which showcases the work of local and Japanese artists and designers. The programme, whose events are open to the public and are free, is scheduled to run from November 26 to December 12.
This year's Detour, which includes an exchange programme between local and Japanese artists, will conclude with a final exhibition at the prison and the former Central magistracy, part of the old Central Police Station compound.
Each year, artists are invited to create an installation that redefines public space and this year's winner has transformed the prison's courtyard. The winning piece (below), called Soft Spot, was picked by a judging panel consisting of designer Tommy Li, architect Peter Hasdell, legislative councillor Tanya Chan and Alvin Yip, Ambassador of Design board member and academic. The web-like series of lightweight, elastic cords running between walls and through cell windows and blocks is the work of artist-architect team Thomas Tsang (Malaysia), of ffiXXed Fashion and Basque sculptor Naia del Castillo. The installation is intended to highlight the distinctive character of the historic compound's architecture.
Detour will feature more than 50 art and design-related satellite events across Hong Kong, such as a series of workshops in collaboration with Muji, in which children will be invited to create chairs.
