Birdhead is an artist duo founded in 2004 by Song Tao and Ji Weiyu. Renowned internationally for its dynamic and original expression in analogy photography, they reinterpreted photo images into conceptual art through photographic matrix, collages and special mounting. Birdhead has presented their works in the 54th Venice Biennale, Tate Modern, Art Basel in Basel and the 9th Shanghai Biennale at the Power Station of Art.

Birdhead has travelled to Europe, US and SE Asia for their project “Birdhead World”. These globetrotting experiences prompted them to reflect about their homeland China, whereby Hong Kong was chosen as their latest destination for its history and cultural roots, unique position and relationship with the Mainland. The photos are not merely a documentation of cityscape, but rather an interior journey of the artists. You are cordially invited to enter the “Birdhead World” to feel their emotions, aesthetics and interests.


“Birdhead World”

Arriving at E2 exit of Mongkok MTR station at 4 pm, I did not have an umbrella with me.  Trying to find my Airbnb in the rain amongst the crowded and soaked streets, the thought of The Blade Runner suddenly came to me.

The rain stopped after two days. Not abided by the forecast, the weather decided to go fine.  Alas, my umbrella was just bought one day before.  Actually one would not get too wet in Mongkok, as the architecture and sea of umbrellas in the sidewalk shielded 80% of the rain.

As I was walking towards Sham Shui Po, I passed by Sycamore Street in Tai Kok Tsui.  The bilingual street sign caught my attention.  The literal translation of “Sycamore” means something unlucky in Chinese. So a homophonic translation “si-gaw-mu” ie poetry, music and dance was used instead.   The Cantonese pronunciation and meaning work wonderfully well together.  What a perfect match of the arbitrary and local culture.  A web search reveals that the Hong Kong indie band My Little Airport also has a release under the same name.

I had an appointment with Pauline at M+ in the afternoon.  After the pleasant rendezvous, I was invited to dine at a tai pai tong.  I could not resist the opportunity to overcome my social anxiety tempted by delicious local food.  Thanks to Pauline’s invite, I met many local artists, which later enriched my itinerary.

A few days later, the weather forecast finally came on its own terms.  No rain for the next three days, so I decided to climb the Lion Rock right away.  30 minutes from the world of The Blade Runner, I was in Ma On Shan Country Park.  I reached the top within half a day and enjoyed a panorama of the whole city.  Hong Kong, a city that is geographically near, but psychologically distant.  A place that shaped me as a youth.  Just as I began to get used to the city, I needed to wrap up my exchange in a few days.

The rain returned when I departed Hong Kong, but I left the umbrella in my room as my souvenir to the city.

Ji Weiyu, Birdhead / June 2023


Source from [ACCHK] https://mailchi.mp/14b3cc6fa5b6/acchk-news-and-alumni-events-jul2023-en-5991735?e=da1af8f28b