deTour 2024

EVENT DESCRIPTION

deTour 2024 will take place from 29 November to 15 December. Curated by Shin Wong and Adonian Chan, this year’s theme, “Having → Being: Designing Inner Worlds,” seeks to explore uncharted possibilities in design, emphasising how design can enrich our inner strength. It invites the public to reflect on two distinct ways of living—“having” and “being”—and to pursue a deeper understanding of “being.”

One of the festival’s highlights is the “International Collaboration”, featuring Reworld, an installation by the Seoul-based studio Kimchi and Chips. Composed of thousands of lenses, this work transforms real-world images, reimagining the urban landscape and offering viewers a glimpse into a “new world.”

The curatorial team presents four themed exhibitions, each offering a unique perspective on “Having → Being: Designing Inner Worlds.” A place of Being invites audiences to engage with the delicate balance between “having” and “losing,” as well as “balance” and “imbalance,” encouraging them to find their own equilibrium in life. Air-Scape presents a bonsai crafted by the design team Future, using hydroponic sponges and 3D-printed breathable structures to create fresh geometric expressions that revitalise the traditional art of bonsai. Korean designer Yoojin Chung showcases Capturing Qi, a contemporary feng shui smart installation that captures and releases “Qi.” This work visualises how this invisible force influences the pursuit of success, offering a satirical take on the commodification of feng shui. Passage to the Lake, by Netherlands-based Korean designer Moon Seop Seo, draws inspiration from the calming presence of lakes. In this minimalist installation, droplets of water fall into a pool, constantly rejuvenating its surface. This piece brings a touch of nature indoors, offering a quiet moment of reflection amid the city’s bustle.

deTour 2024 will feature over 15 installations by artists worldwide, as well as more than 40 workshops, 10 design lectures, and over 80 guided art tours.