artellex cheung sha wan｜"Legacy of Healing" — A Nostalgic Journey Through Hong Kong’s Traditional Chinese Medicine History Photographs. Vintage items. Prints. Space creation

Description

Do you still remember that faint herbal fragrance? Do you recall the small traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics on the street corners? The myriad of Chinese medicines displayed in those pharmacies? Names like Kwan Tak Hing (關德興) and Li Chung Shing Tong (李眾勝堂) are surely familiar to many, as they accompany the memories of our childhood years.

As the city develops, the closure of old shops and the demolition of historic buildings occur almost daily. While there are occasionally dedicated individuals who meticulously document these changes, and some who invest time and resources to preserve certain tools and furniture, the majority are sadly discarded as waste.
 
Last year,artellex - the local digital printing studio  collaborated with Street Signs "街招"  on a project called Whispers of Signs  (字落留痕) share old shop signs that have been preserved,, which received considerable acclaim. This year, artellex have invited Hong Kong Reminiscence (香港遺美) and MODERNISM to join forces. Utilizing the photographic records by of Hong Kong Reminiscence from years ago, along with precious artifacts from the medical clinic and traditional Chinese medicine factory collected by  of MODERNISM, they are launching the Legacy of Healing (流光藥影) event.
 
This event will take participants on a journey through time, allowing them to revisit the medical clinic of  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners Ma Lai Kong (馬麗江) and his son Ma Wai Chung’s (馬威宗), as well as explore the development of the Chinese medicine factory Louie Ming Chun (雷鳴春), which has been in operation since the 1910s.  This exhibition combines precious vintage collections from MODERNISM by John Wu, photographic records by Hiuman Lam,  of Hong Kong Reminiscence, and digital prints by artellex, merging treasured clinic photos with antique furniture to revive the presence of these healers. Historical promotional materials and original manuscripts from Louie Ming Chun will also be showcased once again. The entire space feels like time has stood still, allowing visitors to experience a deeply personal and heartfelt era. These yellowed papers, rich with history, carry the health hopes of countless families and bear witness to the development of TCM in Hong Kong.
 
These yellowed prescriptions and papers carry the hopes of countless families for health, serving as a testament to the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong.
 
"Legacy of Healing" is not only a visual feast but also a series of imprints of Hong Kong’s history. It tells the story of how TCM took root in the city and honors the selfless dedication of countless healers who have served the community. These doctors brought health and hope to many families through their unwavering commitment. In those days, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and pharmaceutical factories were more than just medical providers — they were guardians of the community, caring for Hong Kong people with skilled medicine and warm compassion.
 
Through these old photos and artifacts, we can almost smell the lingering scent of herbal medicine and hear the friendly greetings of neighbors. This is a collective memory shared by the people of Hong Kong and a cultural heritage worth cherishing.
 
Reservation Link :https://artellex.simplybook.asia/v2/