Art and Design Context Research 4 (17th March)

Artist: Kacey Wong, Wandering Home

http://www.kaceywong.com/new-gallery-2

- Hong Kong artist Kacey Wong’s “Wandering Home” is an installation and at the same time it is a mobile home that can be used by the homeless, creating a comfortable living space for them. The artwork explores the existence of home and focuses on the sense of belonging

- Furthermore his work raises awareness about issues of the homeless under the hyper-density context of Hong Kong and uses the work as a step to explore more solutions for the homeless. By creating a minimalistic mobile home, Wong evaluates the alternative ways of living by making the work as an architectural solution and critiques the viewers’ perception of the homeless.

- The mobility of this mobile home allows Wong to question the idea of minimal dwelling and to redefine the perception of homelessness as the creation of this home empowers the audience to believe it is possible to find comfort in their own living space as “every citizen deserves a comfortable home” (Chung, 68) rather than living in a suffocating and lifeless cubicle.

- The use of the tricycle is a commentary on Hong Kong’s systematic lifestyle as Wong once said in an interview, “Who can build, then? Architects can build, real estate developers, people with zoning permits.” (House Warming, 41).

- This can be interpreted as Hong Kong citizens have no control of their lifestyle and does not have a comfortable living space that completely belong to themselves. By building the structure on top of a tricycle, it symbolises simplicity in life and the stress free feeling of not having to repay the mortgage.

- Moreover, the tricycle provides autonomy and freedom, allowing the owner of the house to determine their own destination and future, “rather than being completely on auto-pilot” (House Warming, 42) by the society.

Research

Confirm copying