Introduction

 “Listen with Incense” is a collaboration between scientists of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) and artist Cheng Yang, to raise public awareness about Hong Kong’s Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), an iconic local tree species that is threatened by poaching.

Since 2017, KFBG has been researching the ecology and genetic diversity of the Incense Tree in a joint project with the University of Hong Kong. As a large number of mature Incense Trees have been cut down in Hong Kong and neighbouring parts of South China in recent years for the valuable agarwood they contain, the remaining younger trees become all the more important in ensuring that the species remains resilient in the face of both ongoing attack by poachers and other increasingly frequent natural threats, such as outbreaks of pests and diseases, as well as climate change. The project involved a survey of over 1,000 individuals in Hong Kong to produce a unique genetic fingerprint for every single plant. The resulting data have shed light on the species’ capacity to survive the recent waves in poaching and the action that needs to be taken in order to protect the most vulnerable populations, to increase the resilience of the species in the face of both ongoing attack by poachers and other increasingly frequent natural threats, such as outbreaks of pests and diseases.

Meanwhile, PhD student Cheng Yang and Prof. Ryo Ikeshiro from the City University of Hong Kong are collaborating with KFBG ecologists Dr. Huarong Zhang and Dr. Stephan Gale to explore the sensory reverberations of Incense Tree life cycles. In different weathers, Cheng is observing and documenting the lives of Incense Trees, capturing the surrounding environment through field recording and video shooting. She is particularly interested in using different media to show where Incense Trees grow and how they perceive their surroundings. The drawings she ultimately presents combine sound and visual elements to vividly depict the interactions between incense trees, other species and humans. In addition, Cheng’s sound installation allows audiences to listen to the genetic diversity of incense trees, offering a scientific perspective to rediscover incense trees.

Artist Statement

The term “香”（xiang, incense/fragrance) holds a four-fold meaning here. Firstly, it refers to agarwood and the incense trees that can produce it. Secondly, it symbolizes Hong Kong, which in Chinese, means “the fragrant harbour,” with “fragrant” derived from agarwood. Thirdly, it means time; the incense stick, not only serves as a timekeeping tool and embodies a cultural tradition that has lasted for thousands of years in China. Finally, it refers to the philosophical realm of the "unity of heaven and humanity”, which is pursuing the optimal coordination and integration between nature and man.

The word “聞” (wen, smell/hear) is rooted in the Oracle bone script of the Shang Dynasty, which originally meant to hear sounds, and was later extended to mean knowing information and distinguishing smells. Through audio and visual information, along with the scent of incense, this exhibition guides audiences to perceive the origin of incense, the primordial side of the incense tree that nurtures agarwood, embracing this multi-species symbiotic world. It is hoped that this exhibition will encourage our reflection on the role of incense in nature and human activities in the past and present, and imagine its participation in human life and culture in the future.

Opening Ceremony

On the opening day, March 27, Cheng will bring a bamboo flute performance, using traditional Chinese music she composed to enable us to relax our body and mind, and feel the resonance between humans and nature. Cheng will further talk about the past and present of incense trees in China, and share her experience at KFBG, as well as the stories behind each of the artworks.  Please don't miss this opportunity to appreciate artworks with the artist, and rediscover the incense trees which are closely related to Hong Kong.

To learn more about KFBG research on Incense Trees, please check the following websites:

The KFBG Incense Tree Conservation Project: https://www.kfbg.org/en/flora-conservation/aquilaria/

Merging art and science to help conserve Hong Kong’s Incense Trees: https://www.kfbg.org/en/KFBG-blog/post/Merging-art-and-science-to-help-conserve-Hong-Kongs-Incense-Trees/

Can Hong Kong’s iconic Incense Tree survive and thrive?: https://www.kfbg.org/en/KFBG-blog/post/Can-Hong-Kongs-iconic-Incense-Tree-survive-and-thrive/

Acknowledgement to:

Dr. Ryo Ikeshiro
Ms. Ho Pui Han
Dr. Stephan W. Gale
Dr. Huarong Zhang
Dr. Feng Yang
Ms. Fiona Lo
Ms. Alice Lam

Supported By:

School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden