Art at Field: Dryland Rice Planting Project

Step out of the traditional art venue and understand the charm of "Art at Field” from the farmland.

Art and farming seem to have nothing in common, yet they are very similar - both require observation, try and experiment, and both need time, patience, and unremitting efforts.

Artist, Monti Lai, launched the Urban Rice Project in 2017 by planting rice in roadside flower beds in various districts and recording its progress. Although the crops were mistaken for weeds and removed before they were fully grown. This experiment enabled her to engage in in-depth dialogue with the community. Since then, Monti has continued to work as a field artist, on researching and organizing community art projects. She uses farming as an artistic research method, transforming plants into creative media, and guiding the audience to reflect on the relationship between humans and the environment.

The Dryland Rice Planting Project continues Monti's exploration of the cultural significance of rice planting. Led by the artist, participants will explore the planting process together and experience the connection between humans and the natural environment. 

The programme is divided into two parts: (i) Artist shares her creative ideas and artistic research on farming. Participants will learn, sow and plant rice together; (ii) The programme will end with harvesting and reflection, deepening the understanding of nature and life.

Let us walk into the world of Art on Field with Monti and experience the amazing relation between art and nature.

Date & Time:

Language: Cantonese

Admission fee: $480 ; $420 (Friends of Hong Kong Arts Centre)

Registration: Link here

*This activity is suitable for people aged 16 and above.

About Artist

Monti Lai Wai Yi is a Hong Kong environmental artist and farmer. In 2004, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from RMIT University in Australia (co-organized by the Hong Kong Academy of Arts), and in 2011 obtained a Master of Arts and Design degree from Aalto University in Finland, majoring in Environmental Art.

Lai is specializing in site-specific creation, and her works show caring and deep observation of nature. Her early works focused on exploring the conflict between man and nature. Since participating in the Lai Chi Wo Restoration Project in 2014, Lai start farming and planting rice in different places in Hong Kong. She regards farming as an artistic research method and uses plants as a creative medium.

Lai has held solo exhibitions in Hong Kong and Finland and has participated in many group exhibitions around the world. Over the years, she has actively promoted local art education. Since 2003, she has planned and held several environmental art workshops. "Touching the Earth - Environmental Art Workshop at Lai Chi Wo", a program led by Lai, has been awarded the Certificate of Merit in Hong Kong Art Development Awards 2016.