Photographic installation exhibition “HOPE” promotes positivity and optimism among students - School of Arts and Social Sciences - Hong Kong Metropolitan University

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School of Arts and
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School of Arts and Social Sciences Photographic installation exhibition “HOPE” promotes positivity and optimism among students

Photographic installation exhibition “HOPE” promotes positivity and optimism among students

Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has partnered with French artist Mr Cyril Delettre to host a photographic installation exhibition, titled “HOPE”, in the University Gallery on the Main Campus. The exhibition aims to promote optimism and positivity among students and the rest of the HKMU community by showcasing portraits of 16 students.

The opening ceremony on 7 February was officiated by Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President; Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping, Provost; Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development); Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming, Vice President (Strategic Initiatives); Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah, Acting Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences; and Mr Delettre. Also attending were representatives from the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau.

Mr Delettre explained that he started the HOPE series in 2022 during the challenging global situation. “We cannot stand still and wait. Our only option is to move forward with enthusiasm. I want to tell the young generation: you are young, and you have the power to change the future and shape tomorrow’s world. This project aims to spread positive energy throughout the community,” he said.

Out of about 60 black-and-white portraits of HKMU students captured by Mr Delettre last November on campus, he chose 16 for display at this exhibition. Each big portrait is cut into strips and hangs like curtains; the remaining portraits are presented in video format. The backs of the black-and-white portraits feature colourful words chosen by the students to define their “hopes”. Most of the words echo the core values of HKMU: fairness, integrity, perseverance and innovation.

“The portrait installation allows the audience to go through and enter the students’ thoughts to discover and embrace their positive mottos,” he added.

Mr Delettre is a French artist specialising in photography and videography. He has created a series of photographic artworks in Hong Kong, including Walk Don’t Walk and Wild City.

HKMU faculty and students are most welcome to visit the exhibition from today until 31 May 2025 in the University Gallery on the University’s Main Campus.

Officiating guests: (from left) Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah, Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, President Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Mr Cyril Delettre, Prof. Reggie Kwan Ching-ping, and Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming.

Mr Delettre aims to promote optimism and positivity among students through his artworks.

The portrait installation allows the audience to walk through the photos and discover the positive mottos embraced by the students featured in the portraits.

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