Pipe Dream

This third illustration in the Obsessions series charts the relationship between man-made and nature in Hong Kong’s urban environment, reflecting on their symbiotic connection that exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and strength found in collaborations. 

Julie Progin brought together diverse references to create a Pipe dream for Latitude 22N, including the traditional Chinese ceramic pattern of wan hua dui, 'ten thousand flowers piled up’, and designs and systems in Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the resilience of nature in Hong Kong. It’s a common sight to see trees growing on facades where roots find moisture through concrete cracks or leaky PVC pipes that are external to the buildings of Hong Kong. 

I’m equally moved by the resilience of the last traditional hardware shops in Hong Kong where they find creative solutions to display as many commodities as they can in their tiny ground-floor spaces. The art of stacking, hanging, and strapping objects together as a space-saving technique produces beautiful patterns and systems that inspire my illustrations.”

Dimensions: L14.8 x W14.8 cm