V Sparkle

Art Exhibition "Pieces of a Man" Portrays Stories of Recovery with Cherished Mementos 

Gender stereotypes often prevent men from seeking help when facing emotional distress. To address this issue, the VTC Community Engagement Unit (CEU) initiated a unique collaboration between students from the Higher Diploma in Jewellery Design and Technology of Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and male members from Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service (BOKSS) Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (Wan Chai), culminating in an art exhibition "Pieces of a Man" that promotes mental health awareness through creative craftsmanship. 

The exhibition, held at the covered plaza of Times Square in Causeway Bay in mid-September, showcased eight art pieces designed by HKDI students. The creative process began six months earlier when students met with male members from the Centre, listening to their recovery journeys and transforming meaningful mementos into artistic creations that incorporate innovative design concepts with personal narratives. 

During the exhibition, HKDI students presented their design concepts and inspirations to guests and visitors. One notable piece, "Love in the Wind”, tells the touching story of Lam, a member who cherishes the memory of his late wife through a puzzle they brought together from the Taj Mahal in India. Students LI Kiu-hei and SHUM Chui-shan transformed this memento into elements of a wind chimes design, where melodious chimes carried by the breeze symbolise eternal love and remembrance. 

The exhibition was attended by Mr Keith TAM, Vice-Principal of HKDI; Ms Jenny KO, VTC Academic Director of the Student Development Discipline; and Ms Eva MOK, Service Head of BOKSS (Integrated Mental Health Services). They commended the students for their outstanding performance in creative design, mental health advocacy and teamwork.

Student YAU Shek, who participated in the project, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to help individuals in recovery share their personal stories through artistic expression. 

Ms Eva MOK noted that the students' works successfully connected art design education with community engagement, delicately combining creativity with genuine emotion while raising public awareness and understanding of men's mental health. 

[Photo 1] (From left) Ms Kimmy WONG, Centre In-Charge of BOKSS Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (Wan Chai); Ms Eva MOK, Service Head of BOKSS (Integrated Mental Health Services); Mr Keith TAM, Vice-Principal of HKDI; Ms Jenny KO, VTC Academic Director of the Student Development Discipline; Mr Damon YAU, Senior Lecturer of Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design of HKDI; Ms Janice SIN, Assistant Lecturer of Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design of HKDI; Ms Anna CHUNG, Manager of Pro-Act Training and Development Centre (Jewellery); and Ms Vicky CHAU, Chief Community Engagement Manager of VTC Community Engagement Unit, attend the exhibition to recognise students' outstanding achievements. 

[Photo 2] Students share with guests the creative concepts of their art pieces and respective connection with recovery stories. 

[Photo 3] Eight artistic pieces by the students from HKDI Higher Diploma in Jewellery Design and Technology illustrating the journey of recovery of eight male participants. 

[Photo 4] The artwork "Love in the Wind" demonstrates HKDI students' creativity and craftsmanship by incorporating puzzle elements into a wind chimes design.