Sham Shui Po DX Design Gallery | Hong Kong Design Centre Presents 'Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles' and 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery'

Description

The Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is proud to present two major exhibitions, 'Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles' and 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery', at the DX Design Gallery, with the Creative Industries Development Branch as the main sponsor. The exhibitions will run until 2 November 2026.

Embodying the spirit of "Good Design, by Design" promoted by the DX Design Gallery, these two exhibitions revolve around the theme of "Venturing into Sham Shui Po to Discover Good Design." They aim to evoke emotions and inspire the public to rediscover the beauty in everyday surroundings through immersive experiences in Sham Shui Po, strengthening the connections between people, the community, and local culture.

Ms. Nora Chan, Executive Director of Hong Kong Design Centre, said, "Sham Shui Po is a place where history, culture, memories, and human connections intertwine. The people, objects, and even animals here serve as bridges that bring the community together. 'Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles' brings together over 130 students and members of the public to weave a giant cat sculpture with thread and needle, passing on the textile craftsmanship and community spirit unique to Sham Shui Po. On the other hand, 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery' uncovers the hidden stories in the nooks and crannies of the district through community engagement. Both exhibitions use design as a pivot, allowing creativity to take root in local culture and guiding visitors to appreciate their surroundings from a fresh perspective."

Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles

Under the theme of "Emotive Design," 'Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles' is a heartwarming community exhibition that explores the relationship between people, cats, and their neighborhood through design. Co-curated by the Hong Kong Design Centre and Art Dreamers' founder, Stanley Chan, the exhibition draws inspiration from Sham Shui Po's textile tradition. It transforms the aesthetics of garment-making craftsmanship into a striking giant cat sculpture inside the DX Design Gallery's former hall. The cat's outer garment is crafted from fabrics, buttons, and zippers sourced from local markets and accessory shops in Sham Shui Po, showcasing the district's rich heritage of craftsmanship. The patchwork elements are co-created by students and community members under the guidance of veteran fashion designers and local shop owners, blending traditional skills with fresh creativity. This collective artwork highlights the intersection of innovation and tradition, bringing design closer to the community.

Giant Cat Sculpture and Ceiling Projection
MBTI Personality Interactive Photo Experience 

In addition to the centerpiece sculpture, the ceiling projection features a fun video collaboration with the animal rescue organization Agun House, showcasing cats waiting to be adopted and promoting the message of "Adopt, Don't Abandon." Interactive highlights include a personality test station where visitors can discover their "Cat Personality" and download screen backgrounds designed by local artists. The exhibition also offers lectures and workshops that provide hands-on learning experiences about textile craftsmanship and community stories, inviting the public to embark on a journey with "Design" as their companion and using "Cats" as a symbol of connection, creativity, and care.

Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery: Rediscovering Local Culture through Vintage Objects

Under the theme of "Exploratory Design," 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery', curated by Yucolab's Joe Kwan, invites visitors to embark on an immersive journey to delve into the multi-layered cultural landscape of Sham Shui Po. The exhibition unveils over 200 forgotten artifacts and overlooked histories, revealing the district's unique character and spirit of creativity. The exhibits are carefully selected and documented by 100 students invited by the curator, offering a fresh perspective on the everyday culture of the community through their process of observation, exploration, and collection.

Sham Shui Po is a place where the old and new coexist: on one side, there is an abundance of high-tech production, and on the other, a collection of old appliances and second-hand goods, forming a rapidly turning cycle where objects are born only to be quickly discarded. However, it is this rapid pace that has fostered the district's unique street wisdom. Shop owners and vendors adapt to their surroundings, repairing, repurposing, and reselling various items with ingenuity, shaping the distinct character of the area.

Scenes from the 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery' Exhibition

This exhibition employs 3D scanning as a contemporary preservation ritual and a form of "re-cognition" through technology. By documenting each seemingly insignificant object from Sham Shui Po, the exhibition retrieves fragments forgotten by time before they disappear or are replaced, offering a new perspective to appreciate the cultural imprints left by the passage of years.

Running alongside five other exhibitions, 'Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles' and 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery' together form a diverse exploration of design at the DX Design Gallery. Visitors can immerse themselves in seven exhibitions within the same space, embarking on a vibrant design journey that showcases local heritage, community collaboration, and creative outcomes.

Exhibition Details:

Dates and Venues:
Emotive Design: 'Travelogue of Meow – Community Bonding with Cats and Textiles' Exhibition
6 August – 2 November 2026
Former Hall, Ground Floor, DX Design Gallery

Exploratory Design: 'Exploring Sham Shui Po – A Journey of Discovery' Exhibition
14 August – 2 November 2026
Experience Hall, 1/F, DX Design Gallery

*The latest exhibitions under the "Good Design, by Design" brand initiative
Opening Hours:
11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Closed on Tuesdays except public holidays)