Andy Hon Pong Wong
Healing Masks: Unveiling the Emotional Impact of Cultural Attitudes and Design Through a Critical Theory Lens in Hong Kong and London
Summary
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked widespread adoption of mask-wearing, profoundly impacting social behaviour and cultural attitudes. This study aims to investigate the emotional impact of mask-wearing in the cultural contexts of Hong Kong and London.
The research unfolds in several phases, starting with a comprehensive literature review on the cultural significance and perception of mask-wearing, the emotional impact of mask-wearing, and exploring innovative aesthetic design elements in masks. By integrating insights from psychology, culture, aesthetics, fashion, and technology, the study aims to provide valuable recommendations for promoting emotional well-being, privacy, and civil rights.
In Hong Kong, mask-wearing has been mandatory since the SARS epidemic in 2003, while London lifted mask mandates on January 27th, 2022, making it a matter of personal choice. Understanding the emotional consequences of mask-wearing in these regions is crucial for promoting emotional well-being and informing public health policies.
The study's objectives unfold in three phases: (1) to examine how mask-wearing in Hong Kong and London affects individuals' emotional well-being and compare it with other mask-wearing cultures, (2) to explore the influence of cultural attitudes on the perception and significance of masks in promoting emotional well-being, and how these insights can inform mask design principles, and (3) to investigate how integrating traditional Chinese medicine principles and technology into mask design can enhance emotional well-being and healing, and its implications for public health policies and practices during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the emotional dimensions of mask-wearing, inform the development of masks that prioritise emotional well-being, and provide recommendations for public health policies and practices that promote emotional well-being and healing during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration among researchers, professionals, and policymakers is crucial in creating masks addressing both physical safety and emotional well-being. This study lays a foundation and sparks a dialogue on incorporating emotional well-being in public health strategies, contributing to society's preparedness against future pandemics.
Additional info
Personal Research Profile
My research interest lies in the intersection of fashion, culture, sustainability, and technology. Growing up in Hong Kong, a city with a unique mix of Eastern and Western cultures, I became fascinated by the micro-behaviours of people. This interest led me to study at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London in the late 90s. I discovered that while Westerners admire Eastern cultures, most people from the East also admire Western culture. As a designer, we should appreciate our own culture, as no culture is inherently superior to another.
For the past ten years, I have spent most of my time in China and Hong Kong due to work, providing me opportunities to further explore Chinese culture and daily behaviours. However, in recent years, the political environment and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increasing tensions between East and West, with more voices expressing negative sentiments towards each other.
Inspired by my love for Chinese culture, I started my own brand, utilising eco-friendly materials, such as Gambiered Canton Gauze, which some people call Mud Silk, a plant-dyed silk fabric with over 300 years of history and the intangible cultural heritage of China. I aim to preserve this traditional technique and inspire a new generation to appreciate this fabric's beauty and cultural significance.
Currently, I am focusing my research on how the pandemic has affected us, specifically how wearing masks has affected our emotions and behaviour. Living in Hong Kong, we are required to wear masks in public at all times, which can cause feelings of anxiety and pessimism. Therefore, as I relocated to London in June 2020, I was relieved not to wear a mask anymore. However, I realised that people worldwide faced similar anxieties and difficulties with communication due to masks' inability to show facial expressions. Thus, I am exploring the idea that fashion, specifically a head mask/headpiece, may relieve anxiety through aesthetic, technological, and medical aspects.
My research aims to develop a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological effects of wearing masks and the potential of fashion to relieve these negative impacts. In addition, through my research, I aim to explore how fashion can integrate sustainability and technology to create innovative and meaningful solutions.
As for my career aspirations, I plan to use my research findings to develop sustainable fashion products that not only reflect my cultural heritage but also provide practical and meaningful solutions to current societal issues. In addition, I want to inspire and educate others about the importance of sustainable fashion and how it can contribute to a more environmentally conscious future. Finally, I aim to continue collaborating with other researchers, designers, and artists to explore further the intersection of fashion, culture, sustainability, and technology.
The development of the jacquard fabric at the RCA textile workshop in collaboration with technician Roise Green was an iterative process aimed at creating a visually captivating fabric for the mask prototypes. Discussions and brainstorming sessions guided the design concept, incorporating traditional Chinese characters representing "Hong Kong" and "peace" into the fabric. The jacquard weaving technique and the use of photochromic yarn were explored to enhance the fabric's visual appeal and emotional impact. Careful selection of yarns, weaving parameter adjustments, and technical fine-tuning resulted in a visually striking fabric that revealed the hidden jacquard message when exposed to light or darkness. This collaborative endeavour exemplified the synergy between creative vision and technical craftsmanship, showcasing the innovative capabilities of the RCA textile workshop. The resulting fabric contributed to the emotional impact and cultural significance of the mask prototypes.
The development process of the Graphical Bauhinia x Blakeana Embroidered Headpiece involved intricate craftsmanship and innovative design elements aimed at capturing the essence of Hong Kong's cultural identity. One notable aspect of this process was the incorporation of photochromic yarn, which adds a captivating glow-in-the-dark effect to the headpiece.
The journey began with careful consideration of the design concept, aiming to showcase the iconic Hong Kong city flower, Bauhinia x Blakeana, in a visually striking manner. To achieve this, the researcher focused on hand-stitching 47 meticulously crafted flower petals onto the headpiece. Each petal represented a graphical rendition of the Bauhinia flower, adding a touch of elegance and cultural symbolism to the design.
Furthermore, the use of photochromic yarn added an element of surprise and enchantment to the headpiece. This special yarn possesses the remarkable property of glowing in the dark, allowing the embroidered Bauhinia petals to illuminate and captivate attention in dimly lit environments. The combination of hand-stitched flower petals and the luminous effect of the photochromic yarn created a truly mesmerising visual experience.
The development process of the Graphical Bauhinia x Blakeana Embroidered Headpiece showcased the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail invested in capturing the spirit of Hong Kong's cultural heritage. The incorporation of the photochromic yarn added an extra layer of enchantment and allure, turning the headpiece into a captivating symbol of beauty and cultural significance.
