Mastery Collides: Wing Shya Showcases Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Masterpiece Through an Artistic Lens

Innovation embodies a blend of ingenuity and craftsmanship, fueled by both artistic flair and technological prowess. It’s a fusion that is not only seen in the world of art but also at the heart of scientific breakthroughs. Theories and experiments mirror an artisan’s dedication and evolving creative vision, forming a bridge between the two realms. When we capture an invention on camera and freeze its transformation into a single image, we rekindle the dynamism that imbues each picture with life, turning it into a poignant snapshot of energy and motion – a living portrait, if you will, of the magic hidden within every photographic frame.

In the collaborative series “Mastery Collides,” orchestrated by TopMob and Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), renowned Hong Kong photographer Wing Shya leads us on a visual journey that blends technology and artistry. He showcases the creative fusion of four tech companies, OKOsix, BSF Innovation (BSFI), GRST, and Centre for Novostics, by narrating their stories visually.

He delves into the innovative processes of these companies using skillful manipulation of lighting, angles, and colors to evoke feelings and a sense of time in his compositions. Close-up shots, repurposed lighting techniques, and real-time time-lapse footage of organic compost are employed to capture the creative development of each invention.

Unlike his typical assignments, which centered around capturing the portraits and sentimental aspects of his subjects, there was no predetermined narrative for him to follow in these images. However, this absence of a narrative sparked creativity within him, leading him to create an atmospheric ambiance using artistic arrangements to bring these technical settings to life – transforming ordinary objects into immersive experiences.

By having the chance to work directly with raw materials in the labs of four tech companies, artist Wing Shya captures the core of each innovation and translates it into distinct textures and shapes that are exclusive to each other. The flow of each piece showcases an unquestionable connection between precision and creativity whenever scientific expertise and artistic improvisation intersect. When technology is viewed as an art form, we discard traditional industrial constraints and embark on a limitless journey driven by wonder and instinct. In conversation with Wing Shya and the creators behind the four technological advancements, we delve into the adaptability of creativity across a spectrum encompassing refined technicality and open-ended abstraction.

1) What made you decide to try photographing tech products for the first time, and how has this experience influenced your creative process?

Wing Shya: Throughout my previous projects, I’ve often relied on people and their emotions to set a particular mood that resonates with all of us. However, this current project is unique, as it presents an unscripted scenario with innovations largely unfamiliar to the majority. To bring it to life, I had to be flexible and make use of resources at hand, generating movement and change, no matter the size of the subject. My constant question was: What more could I discover if I delved deeper into how various elements interplay in diverse surroundings? This quest for discovery left me awestruck by the intrigue of how innovation and technology are redefining reality at such a rapid pace.

In my initial encounter with capturing tech in reality, I didn’t categorize it separately but rather perceived it as an ongoing development, much like art evolving through the ages. Being unfamiliar with its inner workings and lab procedures, I approached it with a sense of innocence – or, to put it positively, curiosity – free from any preconceived notions about how things ought to be. Recently, when I observed the molecular disintegration happening at the Centre for Novostics, it struck me profoundly how far technology has advanced, making even our blood samples a treasure trove of genetic data.

Can you give us a brief introduction to your products and your company’s vision?

Eddie Yu (OKOsix): Our goal is to revolutionize the idea of disposable items, eliminating plastic waste for future generations. After three years of tireless research, experimentation, and refinement—guided by our ten-year expertise in sustainable materials—we have managed to create the world’s first eco-friendly, low carbon, biodegradable & compostable, multipurpose material. This groundbreaking invention has also led us to develop the world’s first fully biodegradable medical mask, gown, and cosmetic nano-tech mask, among other innovations. This major achievement sets a new benchmark for “green plastics,” particularly in terms of carbon footprint. By utilizing plant fibers and sugar derivatives, we have minimized carbon emissions by 90% compared to traditional industries that rely on fossil fuels. Thus, our products are not only waste-free during manufacturing but also ensure no leftover waste after use.

Sylvine Wong (BSFI) is dedicated to creating a carbon-neutral world by fully utilizing food waste for various purposes such as top-tier fertilizer, construction materials, and pet food. Our groundbreaking invention, Waste2Build, transforms food waste into eco-friendly building material using black soldier flies. Research on these insects started around 2016, before BSFI was established, when one of the co-founders, Jeff, began exploring the potential of organic matter. In October 2022, we debuted BSFI by combining our shared knowledge and the common goal of minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in our endeavors.

Frank Harley (GRST): At GRST, we’re revolutionizing the way batteries are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner. Conventional lithium-ion batteries utilize toxic PFAS and strong solvents, resulting in pollution and waste. However, our innovative WATMAR³ technology alters this. Our lithium-ion battery electrode coating technology produces batteries that are free of harmful “Forever Chemicals” like PFAS and can be recycled affordably into high-purity “black mass” materials using a water-dissolving process.

Our water-soluble, non-toxic electrode coating binders work seamlessly with all types of batteries, regardless of their chemistry or format. They match cell performance and cost effectively. Our aim is to make these eco-friendly materials and technology the universal benchmark in green electrode coatings, promoting a sustainable circular economy for batteries on a global scale.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m constantly seeking ways to upgrade my skills and gameplay. Just like that, in the world of science at Centre for Novostics, we’re on a quest to revolutionize molecular diagnostics, focusing on advancements in prenatal and cancer testing using liquid biopsy technologies. Back in 1997, we made a groundbreaking discovery: identifying fetal DNA in maternal plasma. This breakthrough opened up a whole new world of possibilities for noninvasive prenatal screening, which has since been adopted across more than 90 countries and supports millions of families each year. Our ultimate goal is to establish Hong Kong as a global hub for molecular diagnostics, where cutting-edge scientific discoveries can transform into tools that better lives around the world.

Creating something novel requires a sense of wonder, trying out different ideas, and considering fresh viewpoints. This concept applies equally to technology and art. Could you explain how your invention embodies the ongoing process of artistic creation?

Prof. Dennis Lo (Centre of Novostics) stated that scientific breakthroughs usually stem from a single, groundbreaking observation, such as the discovery of fetal DNA in a mother’s blood. However, their full potential isn’t realized until they are consistently questioned and explored further. Collaborating with a dedicated team, we invested numerous years refining methods to understand this discovery, push its boundaries, and transform it into practical clinical applications. This process resembles an artist perfecting a technique: early attempts may not succeed, but each attempt provides valuable insights on how to approach the problem differently. Milestones like patents and papers are significant, but what truly counts is how these tools continue to evolve. For instance, our team has expanded upon this fundamental work to investigate applications in cancer detection and other fields, adapting the original concept to tackle new problems. Just like art, science continues to grow when we remain open to reimagining its possibilities.

As a gamer, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of innovation – taking ideas that once seemed unrelated and weaving them together to create something extraordinary. Just like how games can transport us to new worlds, technology can transform our reality.

At first, when I heard about the idea of repurposing food waste for housing construction, it didn’t seem to fit. But then, I started seeing it as a symbiotic relationship between two seemingly unrelated resources – the city’s demand for building materials and our community’s challenge with food waste management.

In essence, we’re not just talking about technology or sustainability here; we’re talking about a creative solution that addresses multiple needs in a holistic way. It’s all about finding innovative connections that make our lives better.

For the project, could you tell me how you blended the technological aspects with your narrative in the photography?

As I photographed the BSFI insects, I found myself captivated by the circle of life concept, in which destruction and creation are integral parts that uphold natural balance. I aimed to depict this transformation at every stage using a technique reminiscent of Chinese calligraphy painting. By doing so, I drew comparisons between the structured disintegration of insects and the alterations seen as mist turns into clouds or waves ripple on a lake.

In the GRST labs, certain materials, such as the battery film, were melting at such an incredible speed that there was barely any solid matter left for me to describe. Therefore, I needed to center my account on the actual processes taking place, like dissolution or transformation from solid to liquid, as the primary narrative. Not every event requires a traditional story structure to be worth sharing. Sometimes, just presenting things as they truly seem can be enough and offer a complete view.

When creating innovations that reshape how industries and communities perceive and engage with your goods, it inevitably disrupts traditional methods. Could you share some significant hurdles your team has faced during this transformative journey?

Eddie Yu (OKOsix)：The biggest challenge is not just creating eco-friendly plastic, it’s about developing a kind that offers both affordability and superior performance. Achieving this would debunk the belief that green materials are too costly or lack in terms of hygiene and functionality.

Over the last three years, we’ve learned priceless lessons from both successes and failures, facing doubts about conventional biodegradable plastics within the industry. This experience has driven us to improve our products, set high standards for ourselves to showcase the skill and accuracy in our materials’ effectiveness, and acquire certifications from respected institutions like SGS and Intertek. Our upcoming endeavor is to uphold the trust placed in us, keep educating the community, and stimulate clients and fellow professionals to join us in a shared commitment to authentic sustainability.

Frank Harley (GRST): Overcoming the technical hurdles in creating a water-soluble electrode binder material system that performs on par with industry standards and is economically viable took us an impressive 8 years to accomplish. Introducing changes to a capital-intensive sector, which requires extensive multi-year product testing, presents equally massive commercial challenges.

Luckily, there’s a rising demand and increasing curiosity among clients in the mobility and consumer electronics sectors who seek more eco-friendly products with improved recyclability and those devoid of PFAS (a specific synthetic chemical). This interest is drawing us into their battery supply networks, allowing us to collaborate with their current suppliers. Our team is inspired by our ability to offer a solution that can help the environment on a large scale, which drives us to stay competitive and overcome any obstacles to implementation.

How did it feel to see Wing Shya’s interpretation of your work?

Eddie Yu (OKOsix) expressed that he was both surprised and deeply touched by the skillful use of lighting effects by Wing Shya to highlight the intricate details of their tools and creations. Over time, these items have become so familiar that they can seem ordinary, but seeing them come alive with such vibrancy changed their perspective, allowing them to appreciate them as true works of art. This experience revived a deep sense of pride and enthusiasm within them, reminding them of the inherent beauty and incredible potential hidden in their creations.

Sylvine Wong (BSFI): Our conviction is strengthened that we can discover charm and hidden wonders in the smallest, frequently neglected aspects of nature, when we truly value its essence.

Frank Harley (GRST): Through Wing Shya’s perspective, we discover hidden beauty in what we are crafting. Typically, batteries are tucked away inside devices, serving as quiet facilitators of the electric age, but through Wing’s lens, they transform into captivating artifacts in their own right. This transformation only enhances our sense of pride in our work.

Via “Mastery Collides,” we observe how each artwork tells a compelling story of technological evolution, driven by colors, brushstrokes mimicking light, and abstract compositions skillfully infused with human emotion by Wing Shya. In Hong Kong’s dynamic Innovation and Technology environment, these ‘snippets’ of large-scale innovations offer a peek into the boundless potential of a sustainable and brighter future as we learn to appreciate scientific complexity through an artistic perspective. Inspired by cross-disciplinary cooperation, artisans from the realms of science, arts, or both can flourish and endure within this symbiotic relationship, demonstrating that creativity and innovation are two intertwined aspects of the same masterpiece.

Keep an eye out for the debut of the Mastery Collides photobook! This unique collaboration presents where technology intertwines with artistry, showcasing the hidden elegance of innovation. For a comprehensive look at the entire “Mastery Collides” series, stay tuned to Hypeart.com for further updates.

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Mastery Collides: Wing Shya Showcases Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Masterpiece Through an Artistic Lens

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