1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
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  3. Spring 2024 Issue
  4. Upcycling light bulbs and school uniforms
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    19 April 2024
    Ants and Chinese Checkers made from used light bulbs, landscape patchwork created with discarded CDs and light tubes – these are among the exhibits produced by Dr Chan Lai-kiu, affectionately known as Q, for the acclaimed “Wish to be – Renaissance of Used Lights” upcycled art exhibition that she curated years ago at Nina Mall. Recently awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Special Award (Architectural Installation, Curation & Exhibition Design) for her sustainability efforts, Q shares that her know-how about transforming used items into artworks date from her childhood. “My mum was a new immigrant. She undertook freelance sewing jobs at home to help the family make ends meet. With fabric scraps from her work, I found sheer joy in crafting outfits for my dolls.”
    One of the most iconic exhibits displayed at the “Wish to be — Renaissance of Used Lights” held before.
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    Upcycling is a practice that can be adopted on different scales, ranging from a small light bulb to a large building. “Rejuvenating an undervalued or vacant place is also a form of upcycling,” remarks Q, referring to her mission as the curator and architect of Nina Park. Without acquiring any additional land, Q fondly shares, the wood fossil park has now reopened with a more spacious look and feel, attracting visitors day and night.

    As a starting point, Q repurposed her daughter’s cheongsam school uniform into an adorable backpack.

    Photo: Dr. Chan Lai-kiu

    As soon as the Nina Park project concluded, Q has kick-started
 a new eco-friendly initiative. The go-getter is currently developing “new” products for her cheongsam fashion store, 18 and 22, at Central Market, by repurposing worn cheongsam school uniforms collected from her alma mater, St Stephen’s Girls’ School. Ideas in mind include backpacks and aprons. In Hong Kong, cheongsam school uniforms are etched in the collective memory of many local schoolgirls and remain a unique living tradition of the city to date. While paying tributes to the spirit and memories of Hong Kong, she quips that her latest venture involving fashion – Q’s abiding passion — makes “her life worthwhile”.

    Photo: More upcycled products will be on offer at 18 and 22, Q’s cheongsam fashion store at Central Market.

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    “My dream is to build a Hong Kong brand to showcase our creativity.”

    So, what are the secrets of turning trash into artistic treasure? Q ingeniously summarises them in five keywords: Genuine, Kind, Aesthetic, Relatable, and Skilful. “Create with a ‘genuine’ passion using authentic waste of the time. If the upcycled art exhibition were held today, the exhibits would not be the same as people have switched from tungsten filament bulbs, which I utilised back then, to LED ones,” she explains, highlighting also the importance of being “kind” to the environment when presenting artworks that are both “aesthetic” and “relatable” through “skilful” craftsmanship.

    From the sparkle in her eyes,I can envisage the fascinating synergy between her enthusiasm for upcycling and her love for her hometown. I can’t wait to see the fruits of her new endeavour!

    Photo: Q created the ballerina with used shuttlecock.

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