Project256_urban animal fables
Installation
for ALAN (Artists who Love Animals & Nature) exhibition - “Wild Togetherland”
Hong Kong boasts a rich and diverse array of species, with thousands of plants and animals thriving within its approximately 1,000 square kilometers. In this confined space, conflicts between humans and animals are commonplace, and we frequently encounter shocking incidents in our daily lives. How should humanity coexist with other species?
This art installation focuses on "the absurd phenomenon formed by the various adaptations animals make to navigate and roam through the city.
" Animals learn to cross at pedestrian crossings to avoid traffic flows; wild pigeons learn to use toilets, starting from a hygiene perspective; pods of dolphins put on gas
masks and oxygen tanks to swim freely in polluted waters. Through a series of bizarre scenes, it highlights the unique survival strategies animals employ to adapt to urban life, prompting reflection on harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Scene-1: Animals Learning to Cross the Road
"It's early morning, and we have to learn how to cross the road—the road is like a tiger's mouth, one slip and life could be in danger! Luckily, we have the teacher's guidance; otherwise, we'd really have no idea how to even step out the door!"
The Road is Like a Tiger's Mouth. This art installation presents the absurdity of animals navigating the city by depicting them learning to use pedestrian crossings. Led by an adult wild boar, the wild boar "students" and other animals practice crossing to avoid the perils of urban traversal. It is both a lesson in adaptation and a poignant expression of helplessness.
Scene-2: Wild Pigeon Toilet
"Before setting off, it's always good to relieve oneself and lighten the body's load—ah, so refreshing!"
Wild pigeons live in the city, their lives intertwined with those of urban dwellers. Bird droppings are something many people simply cannot tolerate—so how should we get along, living happily and harmoniously together forever?
In this installation, the flock of wild pigeons is particularly clever: they've learned to "relieve themselves" before taking flight, reducing their burden while maintaining hygiene. Problem solved in one fell swoop?
Scene-3: Special Dolphin Forces
"Report to Captain Radar: Anti-toxin gear checked and no issues—ready for departure! In the face of this toxic environment where poisoning could strike at any moment, we must be cautious on our mission to cross Victoria Harbour!"
Marine pollution is no longer news. In this art installation, the dolphin special forces have their own ways of coping. The entire squad wears gas masks and oxygen tanks, with the radar-equipped captain leading the way. Even as they roam freely through Hong Kong's waters, there's no need for fear or worry.
exhibition curated by : ALAN & Kacama Design Lab
photo credit : ALOK Works
location : Gate33 Gallery, Airside, Hong Kong
About Wild Togetherland Exhibition
Technology often makes us feel in control, yet the planet has never belonged to us alone. As cities grow faster and denser, wildlife is pushed to adapt—finding ways to survive within landscapes reshaped by human ambition.
Bringing together creative voices from Hong Kong, Japan, and Italy, Wild Togetherland imagines an urban world where humans and wildlife might coexist more thoughtfully. Through playful, multimedia installations set within an urban‑jungle atmosphere, the exhibition invites visitors into a lively journey—one that celebrates curiosity, empathy, and the simple joy of sharing space.
At the heart of the exhibition are interactive, game‑based works that gently reveal the invisible rules humans create and the tensions they produce across species. By amplifying the presence of our often‑overlooked wildlife neighbors, Wild Togetherland opens a space to reflect on coexistence and to re‑imagine what living together—more respectfully and more harmoniously—could look like.
/ 2026
Cynthia Mak solo exhibition - “The Architecture of Joy” MAY 2026