Located in the heart of Central, Hong Kong comes “We have to be very strong” a collaborative exploration and exhibition presented by Wyndham Social from October 18th – December 1st. This exhibition includes installations, participatory creative sessions and a workshop series on the neglected, intimate personal spaces in our urban daily lives in collaboration with a group of local artists and creative units. Collaborators include the Blu Journal, Sonia Wong, Santayana Li, Li Tin-yan and Linda Cheung.

OCTOBER 17 RECEPTION

“We Have to be Very Strong” launched their series of mental health workshops with art exhibitions and interactive displays, collaborating with renown artists and local entrepreneurs like Leanne Blu from The Blu Journal. With the project being separated into three parts, the first phase was hosted by Blu Journal where guest were greeted with three displays that helped them to step out of the quick pace of urban life, and to reflect upon their inner private lives. Walls were decorated with varying shades of blue as one of the interactive displays, and participants were to anonymously write a secret as a method of venting. Sonia Wong’s “Everything Booth” encouraged a similar sentiment as an art exhibition. It showcased the necessity of reflecting upon one’s mental health in the public, city life. Wong also fashioned a dance routine inspired by the Dance Dance Revolution arrows to inspire others to take detours more often; to stop and smell the roses.

The Blu Journal completed the launch event with their own contributions. They pioneered the Wishing Star booth: by creating a beaded charm and tying it to a star-shaped plush, participants can manifest their deepest wishes with other charm-makers. The Blu Journal also provided mirrors with prompts such as, “I am”, “you got this”, and “I feel” —- urging participants to write positive affirmations on the mirrors. By complementing the slow-paced reflective exercises of the other displays, The Blu Journal encouraged others to believe in themselves, and empowered participants with self-love and confidence.

Wyndham social: https://www.wyndhamsocial.com/

Blu Journal: https://www.instagram.com/theblu.journal/

Photo Credits @alanchunggg