Interisland Festival 2026

"Jiang Taigong fishing, the willing get hooked"

Fishing at night has historically been done to meet certain species when they are the most active. Squid fishing has been a traditional part of night fishing in Hong Kong and its island communities. In addition to such commercial and leisure fishing there is also a kind of fishing done between work hours, in the off hours of the night. This is the kind of fishing done off bridges, piers and other coastal infrastructure. In these marginal spaces and times, fishing provides its own rhythm and escape.

Night Fishing with a straight hook in Peng Chau is a video and art project that brings attention to those that fish at the margins and shores of Hong Kong at night. Taking inspiration from Jiang Taigong’s practice of fishing with a straight hook three feet above the water, the project uses new tools and techniques for shore fishing to highlight the surrounding marine environment and the time of fishing and waiting. Fishing here is a relationship to place an attunement to water, sound and the night atmosphere.