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Curiosity Cabinet of Gendered Objects (home edition)

Do household objects have a gender?

The settings of our homes speak of who we are, and are full of curious objects with embedded meanings often taken for granted. Household items like ironing boards or cooking pans reflect how gender identity operates in a domestic space. Do objects have genders? Are certain objects seen as more male-oriented? If so, what are the rationales behind these gendered objects?

This installation welcomes visitors to reflect upon the gender expression of everyday objects commonly found in homes. In a condensed setting like a curiosity cabinet, household items are on display where visitors are invited to attach a gender sticker to these particular objects. Gender expression is expected to be a spectrum instead of the traditional dichotomy of male and female – and through public participation, this work will create a collective image of how we perceive gender identity at home.

Exhibition by

Comprising Veera Fung and Melody Yiu, Atelier In. is an architectural collaborative that aims to bring awareness to gender issues in everyday living through research and creative design initiatives. Working with women and gender minorities, their work establishes collaborative networks that inspire and empower people toward a gender-inclusive environment. The experience and insight gathered from different projects will be transformed into accessible knowledge, to evoke thoughts, discussions, and action plans for community implementation of a better living.

Veera Fung
Veera Fung is an architectural designer and currently a PhD candidate at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research focuses on gender and domestic architecture – exploring how objects, space, and everyday practices at home can influence the construction of gender identity. With profound interest in community empowerment and social innovation, she questions how a gender-inclusive environment and design can support people’s lives and work, and ultimately unleash their full economic capacities. Prior to her scholarly pursuit, Veera practiced in London and local offices and was engaged in architectural projects ranging from interior renovation, private housing, institution, to large-scale developments.

Melody Yiu
Melody Yiu is an urban designer and researcher focusing on cultural architecture, institution, and public space. She gained recognition for her prior practice in urban design through award-winning projects for large-scale masterplan, sustainable development and urban landscape. After returning to Hong Kong in 2018, Melody integrates her professional knowledge and insight with her personal interest in cultural practice to take on the fields of research on urbanism and cultural development issues. She is currently a lecturer and PhD candidate at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

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