In the heart of Wan Chai, nestled in a narrow alley, sits Oi Kwan Barbers, a traditional Canton-style barbershop that has been a fixture of Hong Kong’s streetscape since 1962. This small yet iconic establishment, still boasting its original equipment, is now at the heart of the inaugural After Sunset Festival in Hong Kong. Taking place at the Central’s Fringe Club from November 15-19, the festival is a convergence of over 50 creative minds from diverse artistic backgrounds, all united in their appreciation and preservation of Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage.
Mark Lau, the son of the founder and current proprietor of Oi Kwan Barbers, finds his family business poised at an uncertain crossroad, as the barbershop, along with its building, faces impending redevelopment. This reality frames the festival’s central theme, which is not only a celebration of the city’s cultural past but also a call to actively engage in its preservation.
Artists participating in the festival have spent the past year drawing inspiration from the 130-square-foot barbershop. The outcomes are as varied as they are profound. Photographer Issac Li captures the essence of southern Chinese barbershops in a photo series, while Swedish artist Andreas von Buddenbrock offers pen and ink sketches that capture the intimate interactions between barber and client. These works not only celebrate the physical space of the barbershop but also the community and familial ties it fosters.
Digital preservation plays a significant role in the festival, with Hong Kong artists Abby Au Yeung and Ellen Lam recreating Oi Kwan Barbers in a virtual format, ensuring its legacy endures beyond its physical existence. Sculptor June Mung contributes to this narrative with her ceramic sculptures of everyday objects found in the barbershop, from a hair dryer to a can of beer, evoking nostalgia and a connection to a bygone era.
The festival, jointly organized by Cheung Chau Wave, Gallery In-between, the Fringe Club, and supported by the Design Trust, extends beyond Oi Kwan Barbers. It includes workshops, talks, and demonstrations that reflect on the broader theme of cultural preservation and urban development. Highlights include demonstrations by Louis To Wun on the art of candy sculpting, embroidery workshops on traditional tea towels, and talks on Hong Kong’s historical typography.
The festival’s program is rich and diverse, featuring discussions on ancestry, the interplay of scent and memory, and screenings of films like “Sonata” by Hong Kong filmmaker Benson Koo. It culminates with a vibrant showcase of music blending retro ’80s Cantopop with contemporary beats by Hong Kong DJs.
The After Sunset Festival stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s enduring spirit and its commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural tapestry. It is a call to remember, engage, and envision a future where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
READ MORE: