Since its establishment in 2014, TrailWatch has been committed to becoming a partner in both hiking and nature conservation for the people of Hong Kong. To commemorate a decade of TrailWatch’s journey, we are proud to present the Dialogue in the Hills: TrailWatch 10th Anniversary Exhibition! From December 12, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the exhibition will be held at WMA Space, showcasing the hiking stories of ten TrailWatch users. This exhibition invites you to explore the diverse world of nature through their perspectives, where each step taken is a journey that connects with the natural world.
Unveiling the Hidden Beauty of Nature: An Encounter Between Explorers and Artists
Through the experiences of ten TrailWatch users, the exhibition reveals how they have each developed a personal connection with Hong Kong’s nature through hiking. TrailWatch user Andrew Leung is a passionate stream explorer who has documented nearly 700 of Hong Kong’s streams, sharing hidden landscapes with the TrailWatch community. In this exhibition, he partners with photographer Li Hiu-wa to delve into one of Hong Kong’s secret gorges. Li’s photography captures the intricate textures of rocks, the play of light, and the terrain’s dynamic forms, allowing us to experience Andrew’s deep love for Hong Kong’s natural wonders.
Another user, Moon So, lives at the base of Lion Rock, where the mountain has become part of her everyday life. From winding paths to rugged steps, she knows every trail. For this exhibition, she collaborates with illustrator Nicole Kit, whose exquisite illustrations reveal the unique ecology of Lion Rock: hidden birds in trees, concealed plants, and insects in crevices. Together, they uncover the detailed beauty of this iconic landmark in Hong Kong.
A Journey Through Unique Experiences
The exhibition also features the distinct journeys of other TrailWatch users: OasisTrek delves into historic trails, exploring the intertwining of history and nature; h+ commemorates his father with the “Two Generations Route,” turning hiking into an emotional tribute; Mountain Girl HK is devoted to environmental efforts, actively participating in trail clean-ups; Hike Enthusiast Gasha embraces hiking as a family activity, bringing her children closer to nature; wheelchair user Keith promotes accessible hiking, allowing more people to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors; ecologist Alex Wong observes and records Hong Kong’s flora and fauna; and teacher KC views hiking as a spiritual journey, passing conservation values on to the next generation.
The Infinite Possibilities of Hiking: A Dialogue Between Self and Nature
This tenth-anniversary exhibition is not only a retrospective of nature records but also an invitation to explore. Each TrailWatch user’s story demonstrates the many possibilities of hiking: from challenging oneself with stream treks to uncovering history on ancient trails or immersing in ecological details. These choices reflect no hierarchy, as each journey’s scenery is shaped by the hiker’s vision and mindset.
In nature, every path and view reflects the unique worldviews of the hikers themselves. TrailWatch hopes that this exhibition will inspire visitors to appreciate the diversity of hiking, encouraging more people to explore nature in their own way, using both eyes and heart to rediscover Hong Kong’s countryside and find their personal connection with the natural world.
Dialogue in the Hills – A 10-year Journey with TrailWatch
Exhibition Dates: December 12, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue: WMA Space, 8/F, Chun Wo Commercial Centre, 23-29 Wing Wo Street, Central, Hong Kong
Organizer: Parks and Trails
Curator: Project CROW
Featured Artists: Li Hiu-wa, Nicole Kit
Featured TrailWatch Users: Oasistrek, Mountain Girl, h+ @ Let’s Go Hiking, Gasha, Andrew Leung, Moon So, Captain KC, Alex Wong, Keith Chan