Seeing Through Their Eyes

As part of the “Community Sustainable Development” project, we held a photo exhibition at Retrovert, a second-hand fashion store, featuring the works of 54 migrant domestic workers created during the “4R Workshops.” These photographs were more than artistic expressions — they were reflections of personal experiences, environmental values, and cultural perspectives.

The exhibition aimed to raise public awareness of both environmental issues and the often-overlooked lives of migrant workers in Hong Kong.

Key Outcomes

1. Public Engagement with Sustainability

   • Visitors explored photo series using everyday “trash” as creative elements, prompting them to reflect on their own consumption habits and waste.

   • Each piece revealed unique stories and emotions, showing how these women see and connect with Hong Kong.

2. Eco-Living Proposals by Migrant Workers

   • Beside each photo was a written proposal for eco-friendly living, including upcycling kitchen waste, minimizing plastic use, and traditional Southeast Asian practices.

   • These ideas were grounded in local knowledge and creativity, resonating with audiences as practical and inspiring.

3. Cross-Cultural Interaction

   • The exhibition fostered meaningful exchanges between local visitors and migrant participants.

   • Visitors expressed admiration and curiosity toward the participants’ environmental thinking and cultural roots, deepening mutual understanding.

4. Inspiration for Behavioral Change

   • Many visitors reported feeling motivated to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

   • The exhibition became a rare but powerful platform that connected personal stories to global environmental concerns.

Significance of the Exhibition

• Empowerment Through Storytelling
  The exhibition honored the lived experiences of migrant domestic workers, giving visibility to a community often excluded from public discourse.

• Cultural Dialogue Through Environmental Action
  It created a shared space for locals and migrants to engage in meaningful conversations about sustainability, tradition, and innovation.

• Promoting Grassroots Environmentalism
  The initiative demonstrated that sustainability is not only a policy goal, but a way of life rooted in community knowledge, daily practice, and cultural heritage.

• Sustaining the Momentum
  Though the exhibition has ended, its impact continues. The public responses reaffirm our belief that everyone can be a changemaker, and environmental action begins with awareness and connection.

This exhibition was not only a showcase of creative work but a collective effort to honor resilience, inspire action, and build a more inclusive and sustainable community. We hope to continue creating more opportunities like this — where stories, art, and environmental values intersect.