morag myserscough: 'make happy' spreads positivity in hong kong

morag myerscough has created a large scale installation ‘make happy’ for a neighborhood courtyard in central hong kong. commissioned by PMQ hong kong, the public art project communicates an impactful message — akin to a chinese proverb — during the nation’s unsettling period – ‘make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come’.

all images by PMQ, chris macdonald and david bothwell

‘morag’s renowned structural interventions has always been on PMQ’s list-to-invite; the iconic patterns, shapes, messaging & color enhances and uplift the urban environment, connecting people with artworks and the surroundings,’ says shin wong, PMQ curator. ‘each year, we hope to bring original works from different prolific designers to hong kong, taking the opportunity to share and inspire local audiences.’

the london based artist uses boldness and strong use of color to project positive energy and encourage everyone to ‘listen to each other and work together to find ways forward.’ the structure, hand painted on plywood, invites the locals of hong kong to come together and enjoy group activities, such as performances, relaxing, playing, chatting, posing for group photos and resting. inside the installation, the pure pink interior rings out an abstract sound track ‘happy talk’ by artist, performer, and collaborator luke morgan.

previously, the duo have completed multiple projects together including ‘joy and peace’ in london, ‘open wide’ in austria and more to spread positivity in different communities.

home to more than a hundred local young creative entrepreneurs, PMQ, which stands for ‘police married quarters’, is a revitalization project initiated by the HKSAR government in 2009. with more than a century of history and counting, the site was first served as the central school’s campus, then as the dormitory for rank-and-file police officers. today, the creative landmark has become a platform for supporting up and coming talent, as well as fostering a community of patrons and lovers of creativity, design and heritage.