Cultural
Tai Kwun
Heritage Exhibition
Book Of Changes: The Art of Basil Pao
Client
Tai Kwun
Total Area
8000sqft
Location
Hong Kong, China
Exhibition Entrance
This heritage exhibition delves into the Yijing, or Book of Changes, and explores its timeless legacy in the contemporary world. As an ancient divination text and philosophy classic, the Book of Changes has an enduring imprint on many aspects of Chinese life.
About Yi Jing
The exhibition introduces the fundamental concepts of the Book of Changes, the symbolic system of the Chinese hexagrams, as well as the book’s philosophical implications and living legacy.
Basil's Photography
Pao channels the visual memories of his global journey — including his works for BBC’s Michael Palin travel series — back into the ancient wisdom of the Book of Changes.
A Contemporary Temple
The project is conceived as a contemporary temple -
a monumental architecture that represents Yi Jing.
64 Hexagrams Illuminated
At the heart of Yi Jing are its 64 hexagrams, each conveying a distinct message. This installation translates that cosmology into physical form through a field of 64 four-metre-tall totems, each corresponding to one hexagram.
Experiencing Yi Jing
Visitors are invited to pose a question and navigate through the totems to encounter the message associated with their chosen hexagram.
Yi Jing on Metal Plaques
At its core, the Yi Jing is a system of divination: posing a question and receiving guidance. The installation is therefore designed not only as an interpretive environment but also as a personal encounter with the text.
The Art of Basil Pao
Basil Pao’s artworks, created as contemporary interpretations of the hexagrams, introduce a vivid chromatic dimension. These works are backlit within each totem, bringing the colours into the space, creating a diffuse glow that merges Basil's art with the ancient symbolism.
A Solemn Environment
As visitors move through the space, the project encourages a slower pace, reflective engagement, and an introspective reading of the Yi Jing within a large-scale architectural setting.
Materiality
Given the Yi Jing’s nearly 3,000-year history, earth was selected as the primary material — one of humanity’s earliest building materials. Its raw, textured surface anchors the installation in a sense of antiquity, offering visitors a tactile connection to the past.