Author: Ching Wing Au

This is a multi media web based “show reel” which is separated into two pages.Four critical element are shown in the first, the second is a reflected annotation of the first.

Page 1

Since Hong Kong is densely populated , making land as scarce resource.Underground tunnel maximise urban life above ground.I grew up travelling underground (Fig.1) in eastern district , it became part of my daily route which I believed most Hongkongers shared the same experiences.

Tunnels in eastern district has the busiest tunnel compare to Kowloon district.Since some tunnels hold historical significance, reflecting city’s development and social-economics over time.It serves as efficient commute for residents and reduced congestion as population grows.

The first grade separated footbridge across Leighton Road near Victoria Park was constructed in 1963 and Hong Kong now has over 1000 footbridge with 547 subway structure.They are usually located at prominent positions and their aesthetics have direct impact on our city’s appearance.Certain underground features has became tourist attractions in their own light , contributing significantly to Hong Kong’s economy and mainly benefiting eastern district.

The issue of representation ,diversity and equality can be explored through the lens of foreign domestic worker (FDW) community, which primarily consists of female from southeast Asian countries like the Indonesia,Philippines and Thailand.During weekends, FDW gather in numerous underground spaces, created a lively atmosphere with colourful decoration and share meal.Eastern district underground tunnels and subways are filled with their laughter and stories which featured cultural performances , traditional dances and music.It’s a safe space for them to celebrate their heritage and creativity far from home.

Moodboard

This moodboard present a striking visual narrative of the street in Hong Kong during weekends.It is a combination of urban and social interaction with diversity.This setting implies complexity and connectivity within the city.In the foreground, figures sitting together indicate a sense of community, piles of package suggest a commentary on urban neglect and disarray.The design of road sign also represented the important part of the district.

Audio

Foucault’s notion of discursive practice stated that discourse is not merely about communication but closely intertwined with power relations that define what is suitable or true in a given context.Foucault discussed how societal norms establish expectations of behaviour.

For FDWs, social norms often dictate that they should remain obedient and unverifiable.Therefore their gatherings certainly disrupt this normalisation and surveillance, asserting the right to leisure and interact without fear of judgement.By asserting in public spaces, they demand equal representation and recognition as complex individuals rather than mere worker.

To enhance unity and resistance to oppression, the essential set up of tents serve as an underpass into a more comfortable space against tokenism.

This audio showcase the sound of their resilience and a brief interview I did.

Video production

Creative writing

My alarm buzzes at 6:00 AM, even in the weekend which pulled me from bed. I blink against the ceiling, the sun was filtering through the thin curtains of my small room.It’s a contrast from the vibrant, spacious streets of Philippine that I got used to after 10 years working in Hong Kong.

Luckily today is Saturday, my friends and I usually set up tent in Admiralty subway or underground.Even on the weekends,I still quickly get up and prepare breakfast for my employer Mrs Cheung and her children Jack and Sophie.I am aware of my role in this household—the caretaker, the helper, the one who keeps things running smoothly. I take a moment to adjust my hair and remind myself of the responsibility that push me. Each day, I work not only for my employers but for my family back home, who depend on my sacrifices continuously.I retreat to my room and get dressed.I glanced through my folded clothing with colourful options and lightweight fabric.I decided to wear a Terno which is a formal dress highlighted by its butterfly sleeves with delicate embroidery and beadwork.This is a traditional clothing which is worn for formal events in Philippine.Many Filipino blend traditional clothing with modern styles, especially during weekend to celebrate our heritage while enjoying our dayoff.  

Since the family are still asleep , the apartment maintain a serene quiet. This is when I dive into my daily tasks. I started a rhythmic process with laundry and cooking. As I clean the living room, I put on my loose headphone and turned on my favourite Filipino playlist , allow the music fill the silence with passion.Once the music started, the cleaning process gone by quickly.

Around 11am, I packed for lunch and prepare various traditional meal for my friends—rice and sautéed vegetables with heavy seasoning.I also quickly did my makeup and put various card game into my backpack.As I stepped out the building with excitement, I took a deep breath, inhaling the energy and freedom of the city.I made my way to the MTR station and I noticed some corner of underground has already been filled with built-in tent by other Filipinos and Indonesian.A small indulgence that bought a smile to my face.After a short ride, I arrived at Central, one of my favourite neighbourhood in Hong Kong.I quickly met up with a few fellow friends and walked to the subway together.They also prepared a few traditional dishes and snacks, we carried our bags and found a comfort spot under the tunnel.

As we approach the tunnel and settle down, we slowly lay out our food with drinks.With familiar faces and voices around me I immediately felt the sense of belonging and connection.We quickly set up the tent with quick techniques and finally sat down for an ongoing catch up in our mother tongue.We shared this moment in the heart of Hong Kong with appreciation.In this safe space, I get to enjoy the reunion of friendship and relax completely.I glanced through the tunnel and saw different types of activities, some are doing manicure , some are singing with karaoke mic , and some are cooking.Colourful tents and stack cardboards made the tunnel relatively more occupied than weekdays.Police officer constantly walked past this area to ensure safety and discipline. Even though some might judge our actions, most citizen respect our boundaries and shared great gratitude towards us.

I shared my thoughts and dreams, the goal of saving enough money to bring my children here for a visit someday.The thought of seeing their faces light up my heart with aspiration. A lively beat of melody drew us in, we followed the sound and found a small group of people dancing near the exit.The energy is infectious and without hesitation we joined in.Our bodies flowed with the rhythm , leaving our stress behind us.The music carried away our worries and we felt an overwhelming joy.We spin and twirl, our laughter echo through the tunnel.As we got back to our spot, we took a few selfie and group photo with the help of tripod, captured the essence of our day off.

As the day winds down, we felt a bit tired but exhilarated.There was a bit of leftover so we cleaned up before our departure.I said goodbye to them along the bustling street, some got on the bus and I took a moment to reflect on my day while walking to the MTR station.It was more than a day off from work but a reminder of my strength and relationship that I valued.Finally, I entered the flat with a heavy heart.Sophie and Jack welcome me with a big hug and helped me unpack.When the clock strikes at 9:30 PM, I prepared for bed.The laughter of the Cheung family echo in the living room as they watched TV, the comfort of a clean home, the knowledge that I’m working towards a brighter future for my family—these thoughts lull me to sleep.

In this city of skyscrapers and bustling streets, I navigate a life filled with both challenges and smile in the eastern district.Although I am a foreign domestic worker, yes, I am also a mother, a daughter, and a dreamer.Before bed, I made a call to my daughter, exchange detailed of my day and her studies.Each day,I found strength in quiet moments like these.My journey is not just about work, also gaining resilience with experience.

Without a doubt , I valued my contribution to this household and the boarder economic of Hong Kong.I will continue my stay to provide quality support and care to this city wholeheartedly.

Reference

Barker, C. & Jane A. (2016) Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice. London: Sage; Section: “Foucault: Discourse, Practices and Power (pp. 101-105) (assessed on 30^th December)

Barthes, R.(1973).Mythologies. New York: Hill and Wang (assessed on 30^th December)

Mercer, K. (2013 [1986]) Welcome to the Jungle (assessed on 30^th December)

Delgado, R. and Stefancic, J. (2000). Critical Race Theory : the Cutting Edge. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Temple University Press. (assessed on 30^th December)

Delgado, Richard, and Jean Stefancic. Critical Race Theory (Third Edition) : An Introduction, New York, University Press, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ual/detail.action?docID=4714300. (assessed on 30^th December)

Daniels, K. and Macdonald, L. (2005). Equality, Diversity and Discrimination: a student text. London Cipd – Chartered Institute Of Personnel And Development. (assessed on 30^th December)

Davis, Simone Weil, Berkeley University of California, and Berkeley University of California. “Shrinking from Scrutiny, Seeking the Light: Advertising and the Self in American Commodity Culture, 1920-1932.” Thesis (Ph.D.)–University of California, Berkeley, 1996., 1996. Print. (assessed on 30^th December)

Block, Elena. “A Culturalist Approach to the Concept of the Mediatization of Politics: The Age of ‘Media Hegemony.’” Communication theory 23.3 (2013): 259–278. (assessed on 30^th December)

凌逸德 (2019). 香港01｜hk01.com 倡議型媒體. [online] 香港01. Available at: https://www.hk01.com/.(assessed on 30^th December)

South China Morning Post. (2024). SCMP. [online] Available at: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3290884/hong-kong-unions-sound-alarm-over-domestic-workers-being-underpaid-abused (Accessed on 29 Dec. 2024]

Leung, H. (2024). ‘I am very broken’: Hong Kong domestic workers speak up about mental health struggles amid financial, work pressures. [online] Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Available at: https://hongkongfp.com/2024/10/27/i-am-very-broken-hong-kong-domestic-workers-speak-up-about-mental-health-struggles-amid-financial-work-pressures/.(assessed on 30^th December)

Creative writing 

In today’s modern society, one’s carefully constructed identity and the perfection of intelligence are two pillar that have driven social values.But we seem to forget how to play freely. As George Bernard Shaw stated, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” 

The existence of playground get overshadowed by other priorities,when clearly “play” stimulates cognitive function and emotional resilience at any age.Playground,mostly solely associated with children recreation. Meanwhile,it should be reimagined as spaces for adults and elderly to foster creativity and social bond once again. 

My grandparents spent a vast majority of their morning in the playground which awakens a symphony of youthful enthusiasm.Apart from exercising their muscle,machines that were designed for accessibility with gentle resistance.The balance equipment reminded them the importance of stability,the air filled with encouragement when they steady and wobble themselves on the equipment.They go on swings gently pushing each other back.Climbing on bumpy rocks, sliding down the sides together even though they didn’t fit.On the track of innocence ,spreading creativity with the sun on the swing.Behind them I followed, my smile appeared unconsciously.They both walked confidently to the elderly fitness corner where they are join by the chorus of laughter and jokes.Each of them holding onto a cane or sitting on a wheelchair, all sparkled with excitement.It was a plain moment but one filled with warmth and love.With the merge of colors, textures and sounds that beckon the public to partake in the daily ritual of play.

Here,they generate effortless laughter with a pure heart.I see the company of wildflowers,the flecks of rainbow gloss mirrored in raindrops.The wind through the tree is the whispering of teenagers.As the day progresses,the playground publicly takes on a new role.It became a communal dining area where friends share meals and stories. Nearby ,a group of kid are engaged in a game of TAG, darting around the climbing structure, some falling lightly on the rubber mat.The faint scent of snacks add to the atmosphere.At noon, it serves as a sanctuary for reflection and contemplation.The sound of laughter begin to fade, replaced by the rusting of busy traffic.I have witnessed arguments being solved and held, the first step of a baby, the injuries that occurred and the chase and catch in the playground.

This is a classroom without doors nor window,where memories are learned through accident and victory.It’s where children develop imagination with conflict and social skills.It’s a humble ground for adults where they discover childhood again.A gentle reminder of resilience that comes from facing life.An underlying sense of community are built as they foster communication.

As they aged ,i got more certain of where they were when they are missing.Without a fail,I found both of them sitting on a bench inside the playground.The children with their unfiltered energy had reignited a spark within them.I sat with my grandparents quietly,simply observing every individual in this realm.The tree seemed to listen with its gnarled roots and soil offering shade and comfort.Unfortunately,they passed away in 2020.The playground had become a bridge between our family where memories and comfort transcended through time.I am not just an observer anymore but a part of the magic,buoyed by every energy they left behind.

This patch of enchanted land accept our tired bodies,and yet our spirit remain buoyant.It is a living monument to vitality of childhood.The simple act of play becomes a profound act of self love and discovery,a sanctuary of dreams for the young at heart.

Moodboard

The first glance of the playground, there are always elderly with children.Whom might be fighting over the swing, stepping on the stair climber or maybe queuing for the spinner.The fitness corner are filled with elderly chatting about their day, joyfully holding hands just like they once did as children.In all ages, human tends to go back to one places for a bit of peace and relieve.The playground where they breathe and play the most.

Audio

Sounds I collected surrounding the playground, including people running on wet ground, the wait under the traffic light, emptiness in the tunnel, a kick of football hitting against the wall. Suprisingly, we never question which facilities are providing these exact sound under what circumstances or activities.The sound of playground exist in the most ordinary and yet significant way.

Film

References

The rise of the adult playground. (2012). BBC News. [online] 23 Apr. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17818223.[Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].

‌Traverso, V. (n.d.). The cities designing playgrounds for the elderly. [online] www.bbc.com. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191028-the-cities-designing-playgrounds-for-the-elderly.[Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].

‌Tan, J. (2022). A Singaporean in China: Don’t take free playgrounds for granted. [online] ThinkChina – Big reads, Opinion & Columns on China. Available at: https://www.thinkchina.sg/society/singaporean-china-dont-take-free-playgrounds-granted [Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].

XAV (2024). I’m an Adult, and I demand a Playground! – XAV – Medium. [online] Medium. Available at: https://xuliaxav.medium.com/im-an-adult-and-i-demand-a-playground-bfa4782b0534 [Accessed 15 Nov. 2024].

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