The 1980s and 1990s were the golden age of Hong Kong cinema, producing many iconic classic films that continue to influence different forms of art to this day. Many artists are still inspired by these works, creating new pieces through photography, painting, and other mediums based on the memorable scenes. However, while paintings are more common, have you ever seen artwork that recreates movie scenes using needle and thread?
Recently, Hummingbird Bookstore collaborated with local handmade embroidery brand Merry_antbroidery to hold an embroidery exhibition at the PMQ store, featuring iconic scenes from classic Hong Kong movies or recent popular films, presented in stitches for the audience to enjoy.
Merry_antbroidery was founded in 2019 by Ah Yi and Merry. Before becoming a full-time embroidery artist, Ah Yi worked as a costume assistant in films, so he has a deep connection with movies. He hopes to evoke the public’s memories of Hong Kong cinema through his work, and awaken the personal emotions and local memories within them.
In classic films, Wong Kar-wai’s “Chungking Express”, “Happy Together”, and “Days of Being Wild” are indispensable. Although this embroidery may seem small, Ah Yi pays great attention to the color application and matching of the embroidery threads, striving to reproduce the tones and atmosphere of the films. Many times, to complete this small piece of work, it takes nearly 5 days. Without delicate craftsmanship and patience, it cannot be done. In addition, she has also created works such as “In the Mood for Love”, “In the Mood for Love”, and “2046”.
In addition to classic works, Ah Yi also pays close attention to local new plays, and has previously embroidered films such as “Hand-Rolled Cigarette” and “Uncle” in recent years. Taking the film “Uncle” as an example, the scene of Yuan Fuhua and Taibao walking in the lush green park has used nearly 10 different shades of green embroidery thread, making the image more layered.
During the exhibition, in addition to a series of film-themed works, Merry_antbroidery will also hold embroidery workshops. Regardless of experience, as long as you are interested in embroidery, you can participate. This allows everyone to learn from the shop owner how to create portrait embroidery in a simple way, embroidering movie characters or their own portraits stitch by stitch.
Everyone should seize the opportunity to personally appreciate this unique and thoughtful exhibition!
“Embroidered Shadow MOVIETITCH”
Date: From now until January 16, 2022
Time: 12:30 PM to 6:45 PM
Address: Room H307, Block B, PMQ, Central
Learn more: Merry_antbroidery
Image source: instagram@merry_antbroidery, humming.publishing
