Can I use emojis? I’ll choose heart-eyes – for the open-hearted team that Patsy has brought together, rainbow – for connecting across physical distance, and clasped hands of gratitude – for being able to witness people’s real reactions to the project, relating to that hope for connection despite being different and despite being apart.
Much of the biggest challenges have been heroically tackled by Patsy! From my side I would say working remotely with the different team members and juggling the shifting working timeline towards presenting the installations at each House, all as Covid still continues to require our vigilance.
Seems like any challenges have become just a memory - in retrospect. As looking at the work itself, all so-called hardships become less “impactful”. So I would say, there weren’t any. Only bumps.
The project started in Shanghai and Beijing but I haven’t been able to travel at all to work with the team in person or to see the actualised installations at the Houses. So for me – it was when I could finally be with Patsy and the Hong Kong-based creators together at The Upper House which was the most remarkable and even surreal for me.
To discover friendships and connections that would not have been possible if this opportunity from The House Collective didn’t exist. To experience the reactions of the audiences. To know that the work has touched people in ways that they didn’t expect.
Chef Tony Ye of The Middle House chats about his travels exploring the food culture of the southwest province.
The House Collective partnered with artist Wanbing Huang and British wallcoverings brand de Gournay for bespoke, hand-painted wallpaper inspired by ancient Chinese star maps.