Prisons are used to incarcerate prisoners and are considered a concentration of evil. However, after the passage of time, how will these cells, which have shed their historical duties, be preserved? The Victoria Prison in Tai Kwun is Hong Kong’s first prison. In order to showcase its architectural and historical value, Tai Kwun recently presented the “DigiRadiance” exhibition, which allows audiences to transcend time and space and understand the past and present of this historic monument through digital technology and art.
“The Digital Luminous House” focuses on showcasing the structural features and spatial layout of the Victoria Prison in the 19th century. The digital exhibition is divided into two parts, with the first part taking place in the F Warehouse exhibition room. It starts with the unique radial cell block of the Victoria Prison, reviewing the prison’s history and architectural design, as well as the significance of the building complex as a combination of historical monument and art gallery.
Through showcasing a 30-minute immersive video experience created by artists Qu Yuanche and Wu Zikun, viewers can explore the materiality and spatial configuration of prison architecture as if they were there, while also revealing its transformations and extending discussions on related issues such as discipline, punishment, and renewal.
The second part of the exhibition expands to the prison playground and D warehouse, where visitors can travel through the historical time and space of Tai Kwun Prison through five augmented reality (AR) installations. The five experiential installations in the venue revolve around the radial cell blocks of Victoria Prison, reflecting on the hundred years of evolution since its construction began.
Yardley Prison has undergone significant changes over the years, marking shifts in the demand for prisons and the nature of incarceration. Installations echo the visual works of artists, highlighting the structures left behind in different locations within the prison and showcasing how architectural design and spatial arrangements reflect these changes. Additionally, artists Qu Yuanche and Wu Zikun will delve into the production process of “Digital Light Room” during the artist sharing session on March 7th, discussing their creative concepts with the audience. If you’re interested, feel free to register and participate!
Digital Light House
Date: From now until March 16
Time: 11 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm)
Location: Exhibition Room F, Tai Kwun
Digital Lightbox – Artist Sharing
Date: March 7, 2023
Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Tai Kwun F Hall Exhibition Room
Image source and learn more: Tai Kwun
