The flowering of nature-inspired art

Renewing the bond

While Botanical Union's Kwok, The Mills' Lui and Zheng have tried to make art out of nature, the new media artist Hung Keung — who conceptualized the five-piece Nature Therapy installation series on the Wan Chai Pierside Harbour Chill — has used art to highlight the sensory delights that nature yields.

Commissioned by Design District Hong Kong and created in partnership with Milk Design Limited, Nature Therapy magnifies the sensory experiences one might expect to find while taking a stroll in the park. Passersby are invited to sit down on chairs that use trunks of living trees for back support; relax their breathing in sync with an undulating "diaphragm" and meditate while sitting atop a sensor-fitted rock until a rainbow arch made of countless colorful, transparent plastic pieces come to life.

"We want to capture the feelings of well-being, positivity, relaxation and bliss that a stroll at the park brings. Our work offers that without blocking the views of Victoria Harbour," says Hung.

"With social distancing, art has leaped out of traditional spaces, and this has given it so much more meaning. For example, if the 'diaphragm' were placed in a gallery, people wouldn't pay it too much attention. But since it's displayed against blue skies and the Victoria Harbour, passersby actually slow down and match their breathing to the piece."