Art off the rail: MTR and local artists capture Tai Wai's essence on thematic train

Art is often considered separate from daily life as something collected by the well heeled or for contemplation in stuffy museums. But what if art can be a part of every day, bringing insight and delight to everyone who encounters it?

This time, “The Wai We Live” explores the concept that art can bring communities closer together through young talents’ personal take on the charms of Tai Wai. Instead of displaying static images in a gallery, the campaign features a nine-carriage MTR train with colourful drawings which traverses Kowloon and the New Territories.

“The Wai We Live” is a 14-week-long show featuring the work of seven local Hong Kong illustrators upon the interior and exterior of a thematic train running along the East Rail and Tuen Ma lines. Conceived in collaboration with The Wai Mall and Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), its launch on 24 July coincided with the soft opening of community complex The Wai above Tai Wai Station.

Eddie Lau, artist and senior lecturer at HKDI, worked with eight HKDI students as they photographed, researched and interviewed Tai Wai residents. Over a nine-month period, they studied details and moments in the daily lives of the kai fong (Tai Wai community).

The material was distilled into key themes that highlight its distinctive characteristics. Each of the seven artists—many themselves HKDI alumni—then elaborated upon the themes in their unique style.

Lau himself is a participating artist whose wife is originally from Tai Wai. His drawings in “The Wai We Live” show the relaxed family lifestyle that Tai Wai offers through vibrant colours and fun activities.

Artist Helen Tam is known for Pineapple Bun Girl Pinana. Her drawings show the characters diving into Tai Wai’s dining scene to indulge in daa laang (a Chiu Chow feast), roast goose and sampan congee. “I grew up in Tai Wai and this exhibition gave me a chance to revisit the world of my childhood,” said Tam.

“I love seeing buskers at all hours in Tai Wai,” said artist Yedda Li. Her images capture the energy of street performers while leaning into the large-scale format of the MTR car to make them larger than life.

“I really appreciate MTR’s efforts bringing art to the community,” added Li. “The exhibition is easy for people to see and understand.”

This article is done in collaboration with MTR Malls.