**Empowering Art and Social Change**
The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS – HK) and YWAM Tuen Mun have joined forces to present a unique art exhibition that shines a light on the plight of Hong Kong’s hardworking elderly recyclers, known as “Cardboard Grannies.” The exhibition, titled “Cardboard Grannies Art,” features 25 powerful artworks created by acclaimed artist Go Hung, who transforms discarded cardboard into thought-provoking pieces that challenge perceptions about value, waste, and inequality.
The Backstory of the “Cardboard Grannies”
Despite Hong Kong’s prosperity, nearly one million residents live in poverty, with elderly women being among the most vulnerable. These women, often past retirement age, work tirelessly as “Cardboard Grannies,” collecting recyclables for as little as HK$700 a month. Without insurance, labor protection, or societal recognition, they face immense challenges in their daily lives.
- NGOs estimate that there are 4,000 to 7,000 cardboard collectors in Hong Kong, with most being elderly women.
- These women collectively recycle approximately 138 to 159 metric tons of materials daily.
- Their work is physically demanding, with many collecting cardboard for hours and days each week.
The Exhibition: A Celebration of Art and Activism
The exhibition, which takes place on April 7th, 2025, will feature 25 artworks created by Go Hung using cardboard collected by the “Cardboard Grannies.” The exhibition is designed to create a tangible and environmentally-friendly cycle of empowerment for the elderly recyclers.
| Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 7th, 2025 (Mon) | 12 PM – 9 PM | M4 Atrium, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan |
About Go Hung
Go Hung is a Hong Kong-based artist known for his innovative use of cardboard and other materials collected from the streets. His works critique consumerist waste while addressing pressing social issues in Hong Kong and beyond. With a background in Digital Arts, he creates thought-provoking sculptures and installations that often return to the streets for public viewing.
Featured Artworks
- “I’m a Collector”
- “1kgdp”
- “Spare Charge”
- “So.call Mobility”
- “Shelter”
- 《同人》
The exhibition features a range of artworks that challenge perceptions about value, waste, and inequality. Each artwork is created using cardboard collected by the “Cardboard Grannies” and transformed into a powerful piece of art by Go Hung. The proceeds from the sale of each artwork will directly benefit the Cardboard Grannies, providing them with essential support such as food and insurance.
About the Collaborators
The exhibition is supported by The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS – HK) and YWAM Tuen Mun. ELCSS-HK is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Hong Kong, established in 1976. YWAM Tuen Mun is a charity dedicated to providing holistic care to the marginalized and neglected in Hong Kong.
The exhibition is part of a larger initiative to raise awareness and funding for Hong Kong’s hardworking elderly recyclers. By bridging art and activism, this project creates a tangible and environmentally-friendly cycle of empowerment for the elderly recyclers.
“Cardboard Grannies Art” is a unique opportunity to shine a light on the plight of Hong Kong’s hardworking elderly recyclers. By featuring their stories and their artwork, we hope to inspire a new wave of empathy and support for these unsung heroes. — Go Hung
Appendix: About the Artwork
- “I’m a Collector”
- “1kgdp”
- “Spare Charge”
- “So.call Mobility”
- “Shelter”
- 《同人》
About ELCSS – HK and YWAM Tuen Mun
ELCSS-HK is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Hong Kong, established in 1976. With an innovative, caring, and people-oriented approach, ELCSS-HK provides integrated services to grassroots communities and disadvantaged individuals. Currently, the organization operates more than 60 service units and 50 special projects throughout the territory, serving over two million headcounts annually.
YWAM Tuen Mun is a charity dedicated to providing holistic care to the marginalized and neglected in Hong Kong. Their diverse team operates a food bank that supplies food assistance to a large network of charities in the city while also going to the ground to serve the elderly-at-risk, cardboard collectors, and street sleepers. Through interactive programs, the organization promotes social integration, fostering connections and support among vulnerable members of society.
About Go Hung
Go Hung is a Hong Kong-based artist known for his innovative use of cardboard and other materials collected from the streets.
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