The ‘Think Outside the Box’ Sci-Art Exhibition presented by Lingnan University x Seika Studio opens this June at PMQ Eleven scientists join force with artists to share ecological stories and research breakthroughs through art

Ecological conservation and sustainable development have become increasingly critical both in the Hong Kong SAR and globally. The Division of Science of Lingnan University and Seika Studio are presenting the "Think Outside the Box" Eco-Art Exhibition from 17 to 30 June at PMQ on the 10th anniversary of the Division of Science.

This exhibition of artworks created by 11 Lingnan professors and 11 local artists is open to the public, and also feature eco-tours, family-friendly workshops, and seminars. By interpreting a decade of research achievements through diverse artistic media, the exhibition invites visitors to explore stories across freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats, and to better understand crucial environmental issues such as sustainable cities.

Eleven interdisciplinary artworks highlight critical environmental issues

The two-week exhibition features works of art that merge scientific research with creative expression. Professors from the Division of Science have paired up with local artists to choose themes based on their respective fields of expertise. Through a variety of artistic media, they dissect multiple environmental and ecological challenges.

The exhibits cover four major domains:

1.    Terrestrial Habitats: Poaching of Hong Kong’s wild turtles, the roadkill issue facing Hong Kong Newts, and the role of bees in rehabilitated agricultural land

2.    Freshwater Habitats: The distribution of species across Hong Kong’s rocky shores and intertidal zones, and Hong Kong's freshwater stream ecosystems

3.   Marine Habitats: The impact of urban infrastructure development on local cetacean populations, coral bleaching induced by global warming, and environmental DNA (eDNA) research technology

4.   Sustainable Cities: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Small Sample Learning models.

Seika Studio uses writing materials from one of Hong Kong's traditional stationery shops to depict the wild turtles of Hong Kong—a species that Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Dean (Administration and Education) of the Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate Professor of the Division of Science, has researched passionately for years. This piece draws a parallel between wild turtles and traditional stationery shops, which are both endangered.

A short ecological documentary directed by local nature photographer Mr Fung Hon-shing is projected behind a Hong Kong Newt that has been run over. Following the A Newt's Life Eco-Art Exhibition, it illustrates the roadkill phenomenon studied by Prof Anthony Lau, Assistant Professor of the Division of Science.

The mutualism between coral and algae is highly interdependent, yet fragile under the pressure of climate change. Local artist Ms Alice Chan Kam-shan portrays this symbiotic theme—extensively studied by Prof Inga Conti-Jerpe, Assistant Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the Division of Science—through the lens of human romantic relationships. Using ceramics to shape human hands and glowing spikes, the interactive installation asks viewers to reflect on both intimate yet fragile human bonds and the looming ecological crisis.

This interdisciplinary contemporary art exhibition, which includes paintings, installations, handicrafts, and videos, aims to raise public awareness of life-threatening environmental issues. It offers a deeper look into Hong Kong’s precious and endangered native species, encouraging visitors to understand the urgency of ecological challenges and the necessity of developing sustainable cities.

Free activities outside the exhibition: Eco-tours, family-friendly workshops, and seminars

Free weekend activities for the public during the exhibition include:

• "Life in the Soil – Fall Foliage Features" Workshop

  Hosted by Kami Hui Shuk-kwan, PhD student of the Division of Science, this family-friendly activity looks at Central's stone wall trees and offers a close-up inspection of isopods (pill bugs) and other detritivores

• "Coastal in the Microscope: Discovering Local Intertidal Life Up Close" Eco Tour

  Led by the research team of Prof Tommy Hui Tin-yan, Assistant Professor of the Division of Science, this tour takes participants to Tai O to learn about rocky shore intertidal species.

• "Wildlife Trade In Hong Kong" Seminar: 

  Dr Chloe Hatten, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Division of Science, discusses how scientists trace the origins of confiscated species and how law enforcement agencies combat the illicit wildlife trade.

   

  Secondary school teachers and students share cetacean conservation stories

The exhibition includes the "Cetaceans and Biodiversity: Exhibition and Conservation Ambassador Program" (Phase I), organised with the Lingnan Hang Yee Memorial Secondary School. Teachers and students have designed artworks centred on finless porpoises, Chinese white dolphins, and Longman's beaked whales, which highlight the threat posed to marine habitats by coastal infrastructures, ghost nets, and plastic waste, conveying a message of marine conservation most effectively.

Exhibition Details

• Date: 17–30 June 2026 (Note: Closed on the afternoon of Friday, 19 June)

• Time: 10:00am–6:00pm

• Venue: Room S710-711, Block A, PMQ

  Free admission

Activity Schedule

1)     "Life in the Soil – Fall Foliage Features" Workshop

Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026

Time: 2:30– 3:30pm

Venue: PMQ Main Entrance

Capacity: 25 slots (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)

2)  "Coast in the Microscope – Discovering Local Intertidal Life Up Close" Eco Tour

Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026

Time: 2–5pm

Venue: Tai O

Capacity: 15 slots (Open to ages 12 and above)

3)  "Wildlife Trade In Hong Kong" Seminar

Date: Sunday, 28 June 2026

Time: 2–3pm

Venue: Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Target Audience: Anyone passionate about animal conservation, interested in forensic science, or wanting to protect the planet.

Registration Link:

https://lingnan.asia.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpzBcYeOKkvk8pE