UUENDY LAU is a design and art laboratory that explores alternative speculations on nature. “Double U” is a unique recognition of our founder, not only a symbol of dual delight (ÜÜ) but also a unifying language strengthening connections among individuals and the world around us (Ü-Ü).
Our focus centres on the profound theme of ‘animals and nature’, a universal and inclusive subject transcending boundaries of culture, language and belief. In our process of research, experimentation, design and creation, we delve into unconventional territories, exploring the intersections and divergence between the natural realm and human-made inventions. We observe with openness and curiosity through speculative lenses of imagination and critical inquiry which prompt us to scrutinise and rethink our relationship with the environment. At the core of our research and approach revolves around the interrogation of contemporary societies, where the dichotomy between humanity's disconnection from nature and its reliance on the environment is stark. We are keen on exploring new perspectives to foster critical and empathetic understandings of nature, which, in turn, inspires thought-provoking artistic responses. Our projects also strive to empower wellbeing and resonate with our inner thoughts and emotions by cultivating alternative means to connect with nature.
We create design probes that spark meaningful conversations, support shared values and enrich social experiences. Our initiatives seek to foster organic interactions and dialogues about landscapes and living entities through installation art, design, provocative objects, illustration and participatory creations. Actively engaging audiences and communities, we encourage deliberate reflection on current practices and facilitating positive collaborations between humanity and the environment to envision a more desirable and sustainable future. We work internationally on projects and exhibitions across the UK, Japan and Hong Kong.
#Speculations on Nature
#speculative objects #illustration #art installation #participatory creations #collaborative workshop
M+ Museum, Oi! Art Space, Aesop, TEDx, Marc Jacobs, Absolut Vodka, The Mills , Vogue, Lomography, New Balance, 9GAG, House of Vans, HKWalls, Animoca Brands, Teva, Hong Kong Sharks Foundation, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Design Trust, Art Promotion Office, Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre (HKU), Oxfam, Conservancy Association, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, PMQ, Being Hong Kong, Detour, Brooks Brothers, TUMI, K11, Bunkaya Zakkaten, and many more.
UUendy Lau (UU)
(Founding Designer & Artist)
UUendy Lau (usually goes by her artist name UU) is a multidisciplinary designer and artist having a fervent passion for experimental art and speculative designs that draw inspiration from nature. Her creative pursuits traverse diverse design realms to engage and connect with audiences, including objects, illustration, installations, live performances and workshops. She obtained her Master's Degree in Critical Design from Goldsmiths, University of London, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Design (Industrial & Product) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design.
UU’s active involvement in a spectrum of design events and exhibitions highlights her collaborative spirit and unique aesthetics (e.g. as an invited speaker at TEDx, as an invited artist for both charity and commercial organisations such as M+ Museum, The Mills, Aesop, New Balance, among others). Her versatile participation and exposure underscore creativity, enthusiasm and professionalism. She has received sponsorships to take part in overseas artist/designer residencies programmes and has gradually expanded her international presence, including Northern Rivers Community Gallery (Australia), PARADISE AIR (Japan), Guandu International Nature Art Festival (Taiwan) and HK Brussels Design Exchange Program (Belgium). She is currently working on projects across London, Birmingham and Hong Kong.
While trained as a product designer early in her career, UU’s professional journey has also encompassed roles as a Design Manager in a university’s design department and a wood fossil park overseeing product development, manufacturing and commercialisation of design projects. Her comprehensive experience extends to curating exhibitions and events for galleries and design programmes, showcasing her proficiency not only in design but also in project management and curation.
MA in Design | Critical Practice, Goldsmiths, University of London
BA in Design | Industrial & Product, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Study Trip | Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan