Swarovski at Art Central

Elaine Yan Ling Ng encompasses textiles, electronics and biomimicry to create kinetic installations: such as Sundew, a carnivorous plant attracting prey with scent and reflected light.

Swarovski will unveil Sundew, a spectacular kinetic crystal installation by British Chinese Designer Elaine Yan Ling Ng at the 2016 edition of Art Central set to be held 23–26 March (First Night 21 March, VIP preview 22 March) 2016. Exhibited at Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront, Sundew will represent Swarovski’s second successive partnership with Art Central, part of Hong Kong Art Week.

With Sundew, Hong Kong-based artist Elaine Yan Ling Ng brings her unique approach to design, encompassing textiles, electronics, biomimicry and interiors to create a highly interactive presentation. Taking inspiration from nature, craft and technology, Ng has created interactive objects that mimic the exotic Sundew, a carnivorous plant that attracts its prey with scent and reflected light.

The installation features hand-fabricated textiles combining natural fibers and 316 m of Swarovski crystal fabric (approximately 20 million crystals), and lures audiences in, trapping them with mesmerising displays of light, fragrance and movement.

Founder of Hong Kong-based bespoke textile consultancy The Fabrick Lab, Elaine Yan Ling Ng was unveiled as one of the 2015 Swarovski Designers of the Future at Salone del Mobile in Milan in April last year, an award that acknowledges emerging studios and designers who are actively expanding design culture through experimentation with cutting-edge technologies. As part of the collaboration with Swarovski, Elaine unveiled the first rendition of “Sundew” at this year’s Design Miami/Basel.

Elaine Yan Ling Ng says, “After visiting Swarovski’s head office in Wattens, Austria I now regard crystal as an ingredient for making new material, texture and surfaces and for this project it’s exciting to be combining craft and technology to explore new functions.”

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “We are delighted to bring Elaine Yan Ling Ng’s ‘Sundew’ to Asia for the first time. This mesmerising installation debuted at Design Miami/ Basel in June 2015 for the inaugural Swarovski Designers of the Future Award. Swarovski is committed to supporting emerging talent across the various creative industries and it is our pleasure to present Elaine’s work at the second edition of Art Central and to participate in this vibrant celebration of contemporary art and culture.” Prominently displayed in the main entrance at Art Central 2016, Sundew is a stunning sound activated kinetic presentation combining handmade textiles, biomimicry and Swarovski crystal fabric. The installation is inspired by the carnivorous sundew plant which uses scent to attract its pray before encircling it in a deadly grip.

23–26 March 2016
Sundew
Art Central 2016 Hong Kong
Design: Elaine Yan Ling Ng
Client: Swarovski

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