Unleashing the healing power through art
Plum blossom signifies resilience, while camellia represents courage. The red-whiskered bulbul is a harbinger of good tidings, and the water element symbolises ‘Lek Yuen', the ancient name of Sha Tin. Recently, a 24 meter-long wall within Shatin Hospital (SH) is painted with these iconic local flora and bird. Designed by Japanese artist TAKA and coloured by 18 students from English Schools Foundation (ESF) Sha Tin College, the creation of this mural aims to brighten the patients during their treatment through the power of art.
Titled ‘Transforming Walls: Transforming Communities', the mural is inspired by TAKA's childhood experience of receiving a cardiac surgery at the age of seven and is his very first project for healthcare institution. "Despite the fear and anxiety during hospitalisation, I vividly remember my classmates visiting me and gifting me crane origami. Their kind gesture of care literally brightened up my day. When creating this mural, I simply hope that my art could also bring patients some comfort and strength," TAKA shares. To convey positive messages such as health, vitality and rebirth, TAKA skillfully incorporated iconic elements of Hong Kong with vibrant colours in the mural. The entire project, from design to painting, took two weeks to complete, connecting the community, school, and hospital to create a heartwarming scenery on A Kung Kok Street.
