GIVEN the cultural ties between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, a series of events aimed at facilitating exchanges between the two cities are being held as part of the 24th Shenzhen Reading Month.

One of the key events is the “SZ & HK Co-reading Poster Exhibition,” showcasing works from 10 designers from the two cities. The Shenzhen segments are taking place at the Shenzhen Book City CBD Store, UpperHills, and Futian Metro Station through Nov. 30, and the Hong Kong segment is being held at the Hall of Legends in Central Market through Nov. 25.

The exhibition’s curator and designer Han Jiaying, along with designers Perry Bai, Yenken Tang, Kan Tai-keung, Freeman Lau and Benny Au, shared their perspectives on cultural exchanges between the two cities and poster design during a discussion Nov. 8 at the Hall of Legends.

Kevin Yeung, secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR Government, said: “The SZ & HK Co-reading initiative is very meaningful. It not only fosters collaboration and exchanges between designers from both cities but also cultivates a local culture of reading, which is important for cultural and social development.”

Han noted that half of the participating designers in the exhibition come from Shenzhen, and the other half from Hong Kong, reflecting the fusion of Shenzhen-Hong Kong culture. The exhibition aims to interpret the joy of reading through the designers’ perspectives. “I take various forms of books to spell out the word ‘love’ in my poster, expressing the happiness people find through reading, and it also reflects my love for the beauty of books,” said Han.

Lau expressed his hope that through poster design, the culture of reading can be shared. Through the exhibition, the citizens of both cities can showcase their common stories, interests and values. He believes that the unique connection between Shenzhen and Hong Kong should mutually assist their development to achieve a synergistic effect. “There are no two cities in the world like Shenzhen and Hong Kong, geographically linked, both possessing creative energy, and each with its own cultural characteristics. Both cities should utilize the SZ & HK Co-reading brand for international promotion.”

In Kan’s poster, the simplified and traditional Chinese characters of “读” (reading) overlap in a blurring way, expressing the spirit of seeking common ground while preserving differences. He said that Shenzhen and Hong Kong share many similarities, both being young cities rooted in Chinese tradition and possessing diverse cultures, thus laying a good foundation for cultural exchange.

Au mentioned that his poster design inspiration came from cities. “As designers, we not only read books but also ‘read’ our surroundings to find inspiration, so my poster is titled ‘I Read My City, Therefore I Am.’”

Similarly inspired by René Descartes’ philosophy of “I think therefore I am,” Tang uses “I read, therefore I am” as a slogan in his poster, highlighting the importance of reading. “For me, reading and thinking are inseparable. It helps us understand the world, form new ideas and is crucial for personal growth.”

The designers also shared their reading experiences. Bai said that during his school days without the internet, he could learn design only from books, making him cherish them greatly. He said now he is delving into more philosophical and interdisciplinary books. “I used to read many visual-based books, but after reading more text-based books, I discovered that text provides me with a different thinking.”

Shenzhen exhibitions

Dates: Through Nov. 30

Venue 1: UpperHills, Futian District (深业上城)

Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜岭站), Exit E

Venue 2: Shenzhen Book City CBD Store, Futian District (深圳书城中心城)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D

Venue 3: Line 2, 3 or 11 to Futian Station (福田站)

Hong Kong exhibition

Dates: Through Nov. 25

Venue: Hall of Legends, Central Market, Hong Kong (香港中环街市传承馆)

MTR: Hong Kong Station (香港站)

(Cao Zhen)