Colour Tanks

"Colour Tank" is an installation art piece deeply rooted in Hong Kong's industrial history whilst simultaneously gazing into the future, resonating particularly with its exhibition location in Mid-Levels, Caine Road. The work consists of three metal oil drums, each topped with a soft pink hue, creating a striking contrast with the industrial metal bodies and the surrounding environment, symbolising a dreamlike vessel for the future.


The Mid-Levels area, specifically Caine Road, played a crucial role in Hong Kong's industrialisation. From the establishment of the Peak Tram in the late 19th century to the proliferation of small factories and workshops after the Second World War, this area witnessed Hong Kong's transformation from a fishing village to an international metropolis. The oil drums, once symbols of the industrial era, now present an aesthetic transformation that transcends time through their pink embellishment.

The pink lids not only represent a soft, gentle aspect but also embody aspirations and imagination for the future. Like the dawn before sunrise, this pink hue carries the collective expectations of Hong Kong people for a bright future. It alludes to the area's transition from an industrial hub to a prestigious residential district, symbolising the city's broader shift from an industrial economy to service and creative industries.


The circular patterns on the metal drum bodies can be interpreted as an abstract representation of the tram tracks, symbolising the area's significant role in driving Hong Kong's modernisation. The pink colour adds a layer of dreamlike quality and hope to this history, as if saying: the innovative spirit that once drove industrial development is now continuing to propel Hong Kong's future in new forms.
 

"Colour Tank" invites viewers to reflect on history whilst contemplating the future. It challenges traditional perceptions of industrial heritage, encouraging us to reinterpret the city's past, present, and future through a lens of hope and creativity. This interweaving of old and new perspectives, like the combination of pink and metal, creates a unique aesthetic experience.


This work pays homage to the industrial heritage of Mid-Levels whilst also envisioning a beautiful future for Hong Kong. By combining industrial elements representing the past with pink symbolising the future, the artist attempts to bridge history and future. It reminds us that urban development is not just about physical transformation but also about the inheritance of dreams.


"Colour Tank" is not only a visual delight but also a conceptual exploration. It connects the strong past of Caine Road with a future full of possibilities, prompting viewers to deeply consider urban development, industrial heritage preservation, and a sustainable future. In this place that has witnessed Hong Kong's tremendous changes, the work demonstrates the harmonious unity of art, history, and future imagination through its unique colour choice.


Like the dreams and hopes carried by the pink colour, "Colour Tank" also carries the artist's deep affection and expectations for Hong Kong, inviting every viewer to jointly envision a more beautiful, innovative, and inclusive future blueprint.