I have treasured memories of going to the flower market, ones I have no doubt belong to a collective experience for many Hong Kongers. Every Chinese New Year, I’d accompany my mother to the Flower Market Road in Prince Edward in search of the most vibrant orchids; come Christmas we’d hunt for poinsettias in perfect festive reds; and in the days approaching my older sister’s birthday, we would spend hours narrowing down a selection of unique blooms to craft her a personalised bouquet. Those were moments filled with unbridled joy, that distinct feeling of giddiness that creeps up on you when you surround yourself with beautiful things, do something nice for someone precious to you, or practise an act of self-care.
It had been a while since I last stepped foot in a flower market and those emotions seemed so distant. I’m sure others can relate. But this March, New York-based artist Cj Hendry rekindled those precious memories with the launch of her immersive Flower Market installation in Hong Kong. Coinciding with the Henderson Land’s 50th anniversary celebrations, it was the first time the exhibition had ever been hosted overseas.
From March 19 to 22, over 20,000 eager citygoers flocked to the Central Harbourfront for the “Henderson Land x Cj Hendry Flower Market”, where endless rows of toy-like plush flowers were bundled up inside a greenhouse-style pavilion. Every visitor could browse and pick a free flower as a keepsake, and others bought more to create an everlasting bouquet to bring home. Alongside a sea of familiar blossoms like lilies, roses, and sunflowers, were new creations: Hong Kong iris, Hong Kong dogwood, rhodiola, Hong Kong azalea, Hong Kong camellia, and two Hong Kong-exclusive flowers—the iconic bauhinia, and a fuzzy green blossom called “Allium” made especially for Henderson Land.
“It’s flower therapy, a whimsical escape from everyday life,” says Cj Hendry. “Everyone loves flowers—they represent beauty, joy, and a sense of nostalgia. By transforming them into hyperrealistic, plush creations, I’ve added a playful twist that challenges how we perceive art and nature, creating a sensory experience that invites people to engage with their surroundings in a fresh way. And the price point is not intimidating. Your first flower is free. You can come to the flower market and not spend any money, but still walk away with a flower. That’s really special. It encourages art to be approachable to truly everyone.”
The Australian native first brought the Flower Market to life in 2024, erecting an outdoor greenhouse at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park in New York before it was relocated to Brooklyn’s Industrial City in Brooklyn due to overcrowding. It was a moment Hendry described as a “blessing in disguise”, as it gave the Flower Market an unexpected industrial feel. Last year, the Cj Hendry Flower Market returned to New York’s legendary Rockefeller Center for a second edition, and of course went completely viral, resonating with people from all across the world.
When asked why she felt Hong Kong would be the right place for the exhibition’s Asian debut she says, “Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart! I’ve always been captivated by its vibrant energy and unique blend of tradition and modernity. When it came time to debut the Flower Market in Asia, it was a no-brainer! I wanted to create an immersive, whimsical escape that mirrors the city’s dynamism.” Hendry also reminisced on her past works in Hong Kong, sharing that “Complimentary Colors”, “Summer Pool Party” and the most recent “Juju” pop-up had all been wonderful experiences that sparked her creativity.
Flowers have become a recurring motif in Cj Hendry’s more recent artwork, particularly the cartoonish five-petalled bloom that serves as her official logo. But she admits there was a time she would have never thought to find inspiration in them. “You know, I used to think flowers were just too simple and feminine—definitely not something I’d ever draw. But as I started to play around with the idea, I realized there’s actually so much beauty in the obvious! That’s how the Flower Market came about,” she shares. “I feel like my first memory of flowers is probably quite elementary and familiar. Just picking flowers off the side of the streets or picking them from people’s gardens that you’re not meant to, probably as a young kid. I find flowers to be wonderfully simple and special; they evoke a childlike sense of joy and fun.”
“Over time, I learned to appreciate their deeper meanings, the joy they bring and the memories they hold. It’s fascinating how flowers can shift from being mere decoration to symbols of love, nostalgia, or even celebration. Each bloom tells a story, and I revel in weaving those tales through my art. Now, I find that my love for flowers grows richer with each passing year, and they never fail to inspire me in the most unexpected ways!”
It is this very personal experience Hendry describes that drives her to create. Whether it is hyperrealistic drawings of childhood snacks and household items, plush flowers, or the lovable bunny-like character Juju, her art possesses the unique ability to strike a chord with people from all walks of life. “At the core of my work is a joy for playful storytelling. I strive to explore the beauty of transforming everyday objects into extraordinary experiences,” she says. “I’m driven by the idea that art doesn’t just hang on walls; it’s alive! I want to create works that elicit emotion, inspire curiosity, and encourage people to see beauty in both the extraordinary and the mundane. Ultimately, I aim to celebrate the small moments that bring us joy, reminding us that life—much like art—should be a delightful adventure.”
Editor
Alyanna Raissa J. Payos
