Most people who’ve been in a museum will know that you’re not supposed to take pictures in these institutions because flash photography can be harmful to artefacts. However, this new exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) positively welcomes visitors and their selfies, specially creating rooms full of immersive photo spots inspired by Chinese art.
‘The Ways in Patterns’ is jointly organised by the HKPM and the Palace Museum in Beijing, themed around traditional patterns from the Palace Museum’s architecture, ceramics, and textiles. Instead of having artefacts, artworks, and historical objects on display, this exhibition features seven immersive spaces that burst into life with projections of colourful Chinese motifs like waves, clouds, florals, birds, and more. Make peaches and flowers bloom, observe crashing waves, see a dragon emerge from a caisson ceiling, and walk along the crimson-walled alleys of the Forbidden City (plus, look out for the resident cat). Don’t leave without creating your own bird or fish to let loose onto the digital canvas, where it will live on the walls of the exhibition.
While fun to interact with, a closer look into these thematic spaces will reveal motifs and patterns that carry auspicious meanings and therefore are often used in Chinese designs. A great way to continue the art journey is to head into other exhibitions in the HKPM to see where else you can find these common patterns.
‘The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum’ will run from May 14 to October 13. Visitors can access the exhibition with a general admission ticket (from $70) or special exhibition ticket (from $150).
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