Déjà Vu

Hotel Stage

Filmmaker Monique Lai 賴昱蓉 creates a visual feast of the most traditional and yet bold culture of life in Hong Kong. Showcasing a fine eye for detail, the Déjà Vu Collection features images that highlight design and thought as simple gestures; and they are appreciated as a matter of fact.

Photographed in Kowloon City the images are both black and white, and in colour. Titles have a Cantonese pronunciation and are a nod to the native language of the city. Exhibition takes place at MUSE, Hotel Stage, located at 1 Chi Wo Street, Kowloon, in Hong Kong.

In one of the works, Lai depicts an abundance of cherries for sale where the eyes seemingly move from the cherries towards the recycled cardboard sign in ‘Chay Lay Gi’. Lai says, “as this may be an oversight to many, this handwriting-style is large and distinct. I love the fact this vendor took great care to label all her fruit signs with cardboard. Viewing a group of labels together sends a strong message as any that the smallest of acts recycling can make a difference.”