Hong Kong artist Danny Yung of Zuni Icosahedron has designed a giant flower plaque, or fa paai, for this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC.
The 40.2m wide and 10.2m tall art piece will promote Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and artistic talent.
The plaque was built using more than 2,000 bamboo poles and wooden logs, as well as dozens of colorfully decorated panels.
It was built by craftsmen from the Wing Kei Flower Store, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Information Services Department have funded and assisted its creation.
Flower plaques are a common sight in Hong Kong’s rural villages in the New Territories and outlying islands. They are typically used to celebrate business openings and anniversaries, traditional festivals, clan gatherings and weddings.
The bamboo frames, tin, wire mesh, colourful paper, fabric and plastic that form the flower plaque are modular and reusable, and are easily stored and assembled.
The festival will run June 25 to 29 and July 2 to 6, and is expected to attract about 1 million visitors.
Learn more about the making of the flower plaque and the design in an interview with designer Danny Yung.
