Between Rooms

When I first visited, everything was blanketed in snow, and upon my return, heavy snowfall accompanied me once again.

January of this year in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan was exceptionally cold. The cold was so intense that frost formed on Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong, attracting crowds of people eager to witness this rare sight. Similarly, many people traveled to Hokkaido to indulge in skiing and revel in the snow. Living in subtropical regions, we have a special yearning for snow—the ethereal, white world where everything appears soft and serene. Despite the cold, being embraced by the snow provides a sense of tranquility and calm.

“Have you ever experienced a strong sense of familiarity with a place you barely know?” she asked.

“Absolutely. That’s precisely why I settled in Tainan instead of just passing through sojourning,” I replied. I knew Mei Yin long before she came of age. I was her senior in high school. Throughout the years, I witnessed numerous significant moments in her life: her graduation from the Academy of Visual Arts at Hong Kong Baptist University, the launch of a zine called OTTO with her friends, and even her own art exhibition. Looking back, she did move quite frequently, but I never questioned her reasons. I suppose it’s only as we grow older and gain the ability to choose our own living arrangements and lifestyles that we can truly define what “home” means to us.

“In 2018, I had the opportunity to participate in an art residency in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan for a month. I can’t quite put it into words, but I like the place immensely and wanted to live there for an extended period of time.” It was during this period that Hong Kong began undergoing gradual changes, prompting us to reassess and redefine the concepts of traveling and sojourning.

“Have you ever visited a place that evoked a similar feeling? There’s a painting in the exhibition that captures the view from the backseat of a car. Where is the place that it portrays?” In the painting, on the left side, you can see the back of the driver, with a portion of their face reflecting in the rearview mirror. Outside the car, a snowy road unveils itself, leaving us curious about its destination.

“Since my youth, I’ve always had a strong desire to visit Iceland. The painting you mentioned is called Rehearsal. By chance, I had the opportunity to visit Hokkaido, Japan, and instantly fell in love with it. Upon returning to Hong Kong, while I longed for Hokkaido, I also found myself thinking about Iceland. It led me to ponder: is my affinity for these two places merely a result of traveling, or do I genuinely hold a deep love for Hokkaido? To explore this, I decided to have a short stay somewhere snowy and tranquil before revisiting Japan. I considered it a ‘rehearsal’ of sorts.” The term “short stay” prompts contemplation. While travel is often associated with leisure, what does a “short stay” signify? Is it simply experiencing different weather from our usual surroundings? While “rehearsal” represents an intrinsic pursuit, could it also be an essential journey for personal growth?

“Stepping foot in Iceland, a place I had always yearned to visit, undoubtedly brought me immense joy. Throughout that month in Iceland, I forged meaningful connections with a few individuals who have become cherished friends, and I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, in the end, I realized that Iceland and Hokkaido are vastly different in nature. While I yearn to spend an extended period of time in Hokkaido, Iceland remains a destination I would visit as a tourist.” Searching for a suitable place to live. A place one genuinely likes and feels at ease—A place to call home.

“It simply just feels right; a sensation similar to discovering someone you have a deep liking for. This place is quiet and slow and the cold air offers a sense of comfort and carries a pleasant fragrance.” Ah! So it’s like love.

“In 2021, I applied to study Japanese in Sapporo for a year and three months. Originally, I planned to leave after completing my studies within six months. However, due to the pandemic, I found myself staying there longer than expected.” Reflecting on the days of the pandemic, I can’t help but feel grateful. It allowed me to experience a shared sense of “stay” alongside the rest of humanity. The pandemic has altered our perception of time and the concept of staying in place.

Mei Yin’s paintings depict the four seasons of Hokkaido. Even during her student years, her artwork showcased a pure and harmonious style that remains consistent to this day. While her skill has undoubtedly evolved and refined over time, both her paintings and her essence have remained true. The exhibition, titled Between Rooms, revolves around Mei Yin’s life in Hokkaido and offers a compelling portrayal of the landscapes she encounters from various perspectives, documenting her profound love for Hokkaido.

“When I first arrived, I felt like a child because everything was entirely new to me. Each place I visited, and every season that unfolded, presented a distinct scenery, so I often went for walks.”

“I love spring and winter in Hokkaido the most. During spring, flowers bloom everywhere. After spending two years there, I managed to remember approximately when each type of flower would bloom and where to find them. Though autumn is fleeting, the breathtaking display of crimson leaves leaves a lasting impression. It’s also the time when snow insects start to appear, building anticipation for the forthcoming winter,” Mei Yin shared. “Winter in Hokkaido lasts from December to mid-March, spanning almost four months. However, the duration doesn’t matter as much as the tranquility it brings, making you feel as if you’ve entered another world. I enjoy walking during winter, savoring the sound of my footsteps on the snow. This continues until the snow melts and the sidewalks gradually emerge, accompanied by the blossoming of spring flowers.”

Longing for an ideal life and the snowy landscape is like finding someone you adore and being able to share a journey together. A scenery unfolding outside the window.