About the Artwork

This interactive kinetic installation initiates a compelling dialogue between heritage and modernity, combining the traditional artistry of galvanised iron crafting with the precision of digital fabrication. The piece spotlights the iconic Hong Kong junk boat, serving as a powerful visual metaphor for the city’s magnificent transformation from a humble fishing village into a charismatic international metropolis. 

Naam Yu spent over five years mastering this intricate craft under the tutelage of Master Michael Yu. Subsequently he leveraged his experience as a product designer to co-create the work with his mentor, effectively resolving complex structural and aesthetic limitations. 

The resulting sailboat is anchored upon a sturdy base of layered metal rings, encircled by a shoal of fish. When visitors engage with the steering wheel, the interaction of shifting light with the dynamic school of fish generates an immersive sensory experience.

Story of Traditional Craft

Galvanised iron is a mixture of iron coated with zinc, which is soft and durable. It is the most affordable metal amongst all metals. Galvanised iron can be flattened and folded tightly to form a joint, not requiring any glue or nail. When plastic and stainless steel were not yet popular in the 1950s and 1960s, inexpensive galvanised iron was the typical material used for countless daily utensils, such as mailboxes, gates and mahjong boxes. In addition to household goods, the material was also used in industrial air-conditioning ducts.

Master Yu started working with galvanised iron to make a living. He started from understanding the making process and tools to measuring the size, cutting the material and finally producing air ducts for air conditioners. During the making process, he always paid attention to all the small details. He must fully understand each procedure to create a work from a flat piece of metal to a three-dimensional product. The folds and buckles reflect the techniques and effort of the craftsmen, which is one of the reasons why Master Yu is fascinated by galvanised iron more than plastic.

Making Process

This captivating kinetic installation strategically combines six traditional galvanised iron craft techniques: drawing, marking, cutting, wrapping, folding and flattening, with contemporary digital design.

The collaboration began with Master Yu sketching the foundational hull, while Naam Yu used design software to digitally create the sails. In fabrication, Naam Yu streamlined methods by substituting traditional ice pick engraving with laser-cutting, creating precise templates for metal tracing. Master Yu then trimmed the metal before pieces were meticulously wrapped using a circular method, demanding extreme precision.

For the kinetic element, Naam welded the galvanised iron tubes for the motor-attached circular base, and then refined the structure using laser-cutting. All components were ultimately connected with metal wires.