The D. H. Chen Foundation Gallery pays homage to the textile industry in Hong Kong, and sheds light on its continued impact on all walks of life in the city and beyond. Celebrating the power of making, the 2021/22 edition of the Gallery’s display invites you to explore the diverse forms and functions of textiles in the city’s food culture.

What kinds of fabrics and textile objects are used in our cooking environment, and how are they used? How does the choice of materials and techniques affect the way food is prepared? What are some of the textiles and textile elements that were go unnoticed as we use them?

Through field research and interviews with food businesses, vendors, industry specialists and individuals, we discover a homegrown local ingenuity and resourcefulness that contribute to the exquisite quality of food, efficient services and heart-warming tastes we enjoy every day. Presenting food products, processes and presentation styles that are found in the city, the display explores how the materiality, usage and styling of textiles affect our cooking, viewing and eating experiences.

Curated by Sunnie Chan, Associate Curator, Exhibition
Conceived in collaboration with Edith Cheung