8 Bottle — Alastair Kwan

8 Bottle (2024-present) is a year-long project centering around growing bottle-gourds, a cultivated vegetable with a history that goes back thousands of years, inspired by a dried bottle-gourd in my parent’s house, given to us to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Although I have some experience growing vegetables, this is the first time I’ve grown bottle gourds. I have engaged in a body of research into the history and methods of cultivating gourds, but the results of the harvest are ultimately unknown and subject to the weather and conditions of the new site.

I have hand-knitted ribbons and made lucky charms to encourage the crop to grow, including making the octagonal bed which I hope will bring the plants good luck. The piece has become a focal point for the local artistic community, prompting discussion of the land, its histories and the nature of artistic practice.

8 Bottle is commissioned by Wysing Arts Centre and installed on-site.