Some Thoughts on Touch Art

The writer points out at the beginning of the essay that the creation and perception of art have always revolved around our seeing and hearing faculties, and that touch art is rarely thought of. It was often associated with the blind or the visually-impaired when it first appeared and is used as an exhibition theme. The essay then mentions organizations that promote touch art (for example “Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong” and the Parent Resource Centre of the “Hong Kong Society for the Blind”) and collates the multiple meanings of organizing touch art activities. The writer introduces the exhibits of the “Third Hong Kong Touch Art Festival”, and discusses the aesthetics of touch art, with examples including the artworks by Chng Seok Tin, who became blind later in life, and the world of touch for those born blind.