Two junior reporters visited the show organised by the city's new museum for visual culture, and saw what can happen when creative thinking takes to the road
The ceiling of the M+ Rover resembles the belly of a whale.Communication is vital, but we usually pay little attention to how it works. Junior reporters Charlie Fan and Eunice Yip visited the travelling M+ Rover exhibition, where the way we communicate is explored.
Pop-up studio
A public space for all in the community to be engaged by, a colossal art box for students to be emboldened by, a stage for the public to be enthralled by, M+ Rover has a clear aim: to stimulate creative thinking by innovative means – a roving lorry.
The inside is an utter contrast to the outside of the vehicle. Wooden walls studded with memo paper, mailboxes and payphones left us in wonder. The curved and irregular ceiling resembles the belly of a whale. This warm interior is made up of recycled wood from discarded pallets, to reflect on the imbalance between natural resources and rapid urban development.
Dive in
Things didn’t stop there. Where would we be without experiential learning? As Eunice and I were the only visitors from the media, we dived into M+ Rover with students from Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School.
We were baffled when we were each issued with headphones, log book, eye mask and recording pen. As the instructor directed, some of us headed to the office desk, some to the security counter and some to the whiteboard. Each of us had different challenges, identities and missions. All of these weaved a seamless bridge for interaction and communication, as the mission of each person could only be achieved through cooperation.
We usually think it is absurd, if not ludicrous, to interact with strangers or even smile at them. M+ Rover advises you to wipe this attitude from your mind.
Charlie Fan
Slang rocks
The exhibition at M+ Rover examines slang words which have emerged from modern communication tools and social media, reflecting how language can frame our perspectives and habits. The artworks displayed are collaborative efforts resulting from artist-led workshops in schools. They include audio, visual and text responses, as well as daily objects and other materials that have sprung up during the course of the project.
The different perspectives on using slang and language left me in awe. I appreciate the hard work of the artists who are trying to promote art and slang at the same time. And I think it’s important to attract people of all ages to climb into this mobile truck and take a good look.
Interactive arts
On the inside walls of the truck, little notes and messages are written. Tang Kwok-hin, a participating artist, says this exhibition is different to others. Traditional exhibitions have artworks which are already completed by famous artists and can only be looked at, but this exhibition invites the public to join in and finish them. By being part of the role play and part of the artwork, students will remember this event.
We often ignore art surrounding us, but we should pay attention to it. M+ Rover is a very meaningful project and I was really happy to see how students could join in with the making of an art piece, not just see it from far away.