“Cardboard Grannies Art” exhibition raises awareness of elderly poverty in Hong Kong
Despite Hong Kong’s prosperity, nearly one million people live in poverty, with elderly women among the most vulnerable. Many toil as “Cardboard Grannies,” collecting recyclables for as little as HK$700 a month—without insurance, labor protections, or societal recognition.
To spotlight their plight and provide tangible support, The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS – HK), Youth with A Mission (YWAM) Tuen Mun and Ogilvy Hong Kong present “Cardboard Grannies Art,” a special one-day exhibition featuring meaningful and symbolic artworks by acclaimed Hong Kong artist Go Hung, who transforms cardboard collected by these women into thought-provoking pieces critiquing inequality and waste.
Details of the Exhibition:
Date: 7 April 2025 (Mon)
Time: 12 PM – 9 PM
Venue: M4 Atrium, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan
Featured Artist: Go Hung
This initiative is built on a sustainable three-part model designed to create immediate and lasting change. First, Fair Pay for Labor: ELCSS – HK and YWAM Tuen Mun partner directly with the Cardboard Grannies, purchasing their collected cardboard at rates significantly higher than traditional recycling depots—ensuring these hardworking elderly grannies will earn a dignified wage for their tireless work. Next, Art with Purpose: The collected cardboard is handed over to Hong Kong artist Go Hung, whose socially conscious practice breathes new life into discarded materials. Through his creative vision, the grannies’ cardboard is transformed into 25 powerful artworks that challenge perceptions of value, waste, and inequality. Finally, Impact Through Purchase: Every artwork sold at the exhibition will directly benefit the Cardboard Grannies, with partial proceeds for essential support, such as food and insurance, so as to provide them with long-overdue security. By bridging art and activism, this project doesn’t just raise awareness—it creates a tangible cycle of empowerment.
