The
Reflection
Pieces
CITYSCAPes
Urban-Self Portrait Documentaries
Peng Chau
-old object & memories
Chapter 1: Abandoned Factories
Chapter 2: Sun Sat Store
These two chapters are all about relics and memories. For both, the tangible objects were abandoned but its memory will either kept in people’s heart, or passing to its next owner, and new memory will be generated.
Chapter One: Industrial past
Today, there is not much left in Peng Chau to remind one that this used to be an island once thrived for its industry. The relics of Sing Lei Hap Gei Lime Kiln Factory standing at South Bay and the boundary stone lurking in weeds, reflects the scale of the industry in the 19th century. Based on the interviews we did with Peng Chau’ local neighborhood, no matter whether positive or negative the memory relevant to the industrial past is, the memories refer to the industrial past are still vivid. Those pieces of hardship and sweat, laugh and happiness partly constitute their collective memory, which bridge the past and present, providing a way of continuity. More significantly, it became obvious that it was important for the local people to record these memories, not at table or randomly chatting, but in their cultural territory and, where relevant, at the appropriate cultural site. Nevertheless, without proper systematic record, the intangible memory will become dusty wasteland like the tangible factory ruins. The current situation is that both tangible and intangible heritage of Peng Chau are in danger.
Chapter two: Sun Sat Store
At 27 Wing Hing Street, Peng Chau, There is a small store, full of antiques. It is called Sun Sat Store, because it just open every Saturday and Sunday, and the name sounds like sunset, a nostalgia name, just like the store itself.
Old telephones, phonographs, cameras, lightbulbs, typewriters, toys, clocks...Every object carries its own memories. The primary idea of this store is to preserve old things that people don’t need anymore and give them to someone else who may think it useful. And the owner sometimes will held 'Exchange Party' to let people bring something and get something back. In my perspective, this is not only a store full of antiques, but a storage of memory pieces. Moreover, when the object come into this store, it will be given new meaning and new identity. The object is no more someone’s object, but a commodity carefully displayed for selling, and it may become someone’s again, in this way, the memory passes on and never end.
# field note
November 14, 3:30 pm.
The joint point of Lo Peng St. and Po Peng St.
first corner after exiting the Peng Chau Port,
under a big tree, next to few other local neighbors.
On the Po Peng Street along the seaside, there are three groups of people who are playing Chinese chess. The first group, sitting at the first table, is three old men. Two are playing against each other while the third one, dressing in red, is sitting in the middle and it seems that he is helping the men on his left-hand side. I walked to them out of curiosity (When I was still in my childhood, I always watched my grandpa playing chess with others in the neighborhood). They were at the end of this match, and I think the man in left side is going to win this game. I somehow know why the man in the middle is helping the man on the right. As expected, two rounds later, the left man checks. Then without any discussion or analysis, they quickly clear up the chessboard and start a new game. The beginning few steps are so fast that it seems that they have the entire steps in their memories, I cannot even follow. And then they suddenly stopped and start to think. The left man moved its horse and kills a soldier, and then the right man moves his cannon to avoid further sacrifice. The right man is in passive situation again. Another old comes after 3 rounds. I guess he just finished purchasing because he has a shopping bag with him. The situation becomes more interesting. Finding out that the middleman is helping the right man; the newcomer joins the left man. I think these aged grandpas are so lovely.
The wind along the seaside is so strong that the flag, advertising for the recently worship activities, is waving before the wind. From my standing point, I can exactly see the port clearly. And the ship I took to come here is leaving for the next island. So ten minutes passed after my arrival? No, it's already 14 minutes, so the ship is late for departure. The ship is not punctuated; the one I took also didn’t depart at the exact time. The sunshine is so strong, so I moved my chair towards Lo Peng Street.
There is one Welcome Supermarket locating at the opposite corner. Two trees are standing like soldiers to protect the Lo Peng Street. There are 5 people sitting under the nearest tree and 7 people sitting under the other. The chairs are various from each other. I don’t know if these chairs and benches are public or the locals’ own. But I can say that some sitters are just like me: visitors rather than locals. When I’m still thinking about the ownership of these chairs, an old couple walks out from the supermarket, hand in hand. It is so SWEET! I cannot help to taking a picture for this scene. I always think that the most romantic thing in the world is to grow old together after all the fights and quarrels. Life here is so peaceful and relaxing. I can seldom see people sit down under the tree and just enjoy the afternoon sunshine in the Hong Kong main area. Maybe some elder people will relax themselves in the garden but I seldom go there. But I’m sure youngsters are seldom seen in these group. It seems like I come to a different world after 40min’s journey.
Time passes so quickly; I think I need to go to the restaurant I always go, to grab some food. And then go to my favorite store to have a cup of tea.
4:08 pm end.
