The Artist-in-Residence Programme at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens (KFBG) aims to foster unity and evoke our connection with nature through art. For the 2024-2025 term, the programme welcomes artist Kay Wong as the artist-in-residence. During her residency, Wong explores the versatility of natural materials and integrated diverse design techniques. The ‘Waltz with the Misfits: In Steps with Nature’ art exhibition showcases the artistic endeavour of her residency .

Artist’s Journey through Nature

During the scorching summer, Kay traversed the vibrant fields of KFBG, engaging in a delicate dance with nature, foraging and harvesting misfit plants often overlooked as weeds. Kay found herself contemplating: ‘Are these plants, often deemed as ‘outcasts’ from agricultural, economic, and even horticultural perspectives, truly without worth?’

‘Plants become weeds when they obstruct our plans. If you have no such plans, they can appear as innocents without stigma or blame.’ — Richard Mabey, British nature writer, broadcaster and journalist.

Weeds and fallen leaves found in campuses and fields are typically disregarded, but to Kay, they  are  treasures. Employing traditional crafting techniques such as sewing and weaving, she endeavours to metamorphose ‘decay’ into five new pieces of art, unveiling to the audience the undiscovered grace and beauty inherent in nature. By incorporating these misfit materials into her artwork, she hopes to challenge perceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for the resilience and beauty of nature’s underestimated treasures.Embark on this artistic journey with Kay Wong by visiting the exhibition, where every stitch and weave tells a story of respect, gratitude and the healing embrace of nature.Together, let’s uncover the beauty in the overlooked, take only what is necessary, and express gratitude for nature's concealed treasures.

Concurrently with the exhibition, a Shimekazari workshop will be conducted, where resident artist Kay will share and guide on the mysteries and meanings of plants and weaving. You are welcome to join and discover the often-overlooked beauty, and acquire insights on cherishing and expressing gratitude for nature's treasures.

Artist-in-residence Kay Wong Kay is a fashion designer turned Green artivist. After 10 years of chasing trends and flogging collections in the international fashion scene under the name of Daydream Nation, she found herself left with an empty heart and a studio filled with production waste.  Kay is now on a mission to create zero-waste art and design, to show people the true cost of overconsumption, and to play her very small, but hopefully significant, part in being a gentler member of Planet Earth.

‘Waltz with the Misfits: In Steps with Nature’ Art Exhibition by Kay Wong
Dates: 1 November 2024 – 12 December 2024; 17 December 2024 – 26 January 2025
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Venue: The Art House, KFBG
*In the event of unfavourable weather, the exhibition may be temporarily closed without prior notice.

Waltz with the Misfits: Creating Your Own Unique Shimekazari Workshop
Dates: 2, 9, 16, 23 November 2024 (Sat) 
Location: KFBG
Registration: Click Here