Written by Clara Yip and Audrey To

Who could possibly say no to an evening of thought provoking, empowering conversations starry-eyed art — all to shed light on the beloved grace embraced by Hong Kong lupus patients along their journeys of resilience.

On the evening of May 10th, T&C was more than blessed to participate in Lupus Reimagined, a beautiful night hosted by Sapphire Shen on behalf of My Lupus Diary. Emceed by Vincent Tang, Eaton Club Central witnessed enthusiastic conversations and performances that brought to light the often-overlooked narratives surrounding “invisible diseases” like lupus. This event was more than an art exhibition; it was an emotional rendezvous that heightened awareness and empowered the creative pursuits of individuals who have to live with lupus.

MY LUPUS DIARY

Founded by three lupus patients in 2017,  My Lupus Diary Limited (MLD) is an online patient support platform and non-profit organization  committed to improving the quality of life of the lupus community through empowerment, education and advocacy. MLD shares and exchanges information, tells stories, organises activities, builds a lupus community and raises awareness of the illness. 

We were astonished by the beautiful works of art created by nine lupus warriors — each art piece, whether that be a photograph or an intricate sculpture, revolved around the theme of a butterfly’s metamorphosis — a poignant metaphor of strength and growth. This theme beautifully encapsulates the journey of lupus survivors, who transform from passive patients to fierce warriors, capturing the essence of resilience, even in difficult circumstances.

From delicate ribbons to elaborate hand-stitched lace dresses, the evening’s theme was echoed in the attire of the guests. This common cause of raising awareness about lupus transformed the evening into a show of hope and compassion.

One of the most memorable moments was the interpretative modern dance performance, demonstrating a routine that used flowing motion combined with callisthenics, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of the individuals with lupus, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the journey while, at the same time, honoring the power that emerges from struggle.

Throughout the evening, MLD Director Ms. Jacqueline Hester and her group performed a beautiful cover of two songs, drawn from her own experiences with lupus, combining hope, courage, and the transformative power of music into a deeply moving story. Following the performances, Sapphire Shen took the stage to share her own life experience with lupus and her journey. Her heartfelt speech brought many to tears, herself included! She spoke of the triumphs and battles of living with lupus, reminding everyone that there is always a need for compassion and mutual understanding amidst adversity. 

Lupus: Reimagined was a continuation of My Lupus Diary’s previous events — Make Lupus Visible 2022 and The Lupus Revolution 2024 — bringing people together from different walks of life. The night was a reflection of the strength of art in the time of hardship, bringing people together for the same purpose in raising awareness and funds for lupus patients. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.

CREDITS:

Event photography : @lamma and @realjeff
Booklet Photography @lamma

Exhibited Photos
Creative direction | Head Pieces | Makeup Artist: Sapphire Shen @shensapphire
Art Direction | Photographer : Kim Lo @lamma
Hair Stylist for Amanda S, Ana R and Angie Ng: Vivian Ng
Hair Stylist for Janet Ma: Vic Kwan @vic_kwan
Model: Janet Ma, Ana R, Angie Ng, Amanda S