“Ding Lab”, the final project of the ARTS · TECH Exhibition 3.0 held by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, takes place from November 7 to 28. Two local artists, Pat Wong (Flyingpig) and Kachi Chan, have collaborated to transform a “ding ding” tram into a mobile art exhibition titled “Tram 0”, a futuristic biomimetic tram that integrates artificial intelligence.
The artwork incorporates artificial intelligence, LED installations, and live video, inviting reflections on the future of the city within a nostalgic setting. “Tram 0” will travel from the Whitty Street tram depot to “Smithfield” tram stop, with the entire journey taking about 45 minutes. Guides will provide an immersive introduction to the art installations inside the tram, allowing the audience to engage deeply with the story.
The tram system in Hong Kong has a history of over 120 years and is a witness to the development of Hong Kong society. Pat and Kachi spent nine months at the tram depot, researching the characteristics of trams and uncovering the stories behind them. The guides of the exhibition explained that the green color of the old trams is different from the current ones because, during wartime, foreign armies brought large amounts of green paint to Hong Kong for military purposes. After the war, they left the paint behind, which was then used in Hong Kong, including on trams, the Star Ferry, and the Nam Fung Textile Factory inside.
However, this shade of green, once found throughout old Hong Kong, can no longer be fully replicated. This inspired the two artists to focus on themes of heritage conservation and urban development.
Defragmentation Programme
Located on the lower level of the tram, it resembles a giant spine and features 16 small screens that display real-time street views outside the tram. In a future development of artificial intelligence, green colour is no longer able to be detected so green elements in the street scenes will be blurred, symbolizing their absence.
Occasionally, images of old Hong Kong will appear on the screens, representing things that are gradually being forgotten.
The Vitiligo – The Absence of Green
In the upper level of the tram, a short video is played on 4 LED devices, telling the story of “Tram 0” finding green colour. Part of the images in the video are generated by artificial intelligence.
Growing up on Hong Kong Island, Mary Ho, a lifelong fan of the ding ding trams, said, “This exhibition has changed the tram seats, and I never imagined that such a large screen could be placed inside a tram.”
Stranded Matter
The last artwork is displayed at the Belcher Bay promenade. The former tram tracks were close to the shoreline, and at times, scenes of the seawater splashing against the tram can be seen. After land reclamation, the coastline has extended outward, and the waves no longer intersect with the tram. This story inspired the artist to place an installation resembling waves by the waterfront, allowing viewers to reminisce about these lost images.
Mary Ho believes that exhibitions like this can remind the public about the importance of cultural preservation and thinks that other modes of transportation, such as the Star Ferry or the Peak Tram, can serve as references. “In the future, trams will still exist and have their value,” she said.