[Hand-painted Watercolor Picture Book] The Heartbeat of the Market: Living Imprints of Hong Kong Wet Markets Hand-Painted in Watercolor

World Illustration Awards 2026 longlist "The Heartbeat of the Market" is an illustrated book that took over two years to gather material and hand-paint with watercolors. My creative motivation stems from fragments of childhood memories and reflections after studying abroad. During my exchange programs in Finland and Japan, when I needed to find ingredients for my daily meals, I asked classmates for the location of the wet market. Their responses disappointed me—they pointed to clean, orderly supermarkets, not the damp, bustling, and noisy scenes that came to my mind. It was then I realized that Hong Kong's distinctiveness extends beyond its street food, trams, or night views. To me, Hong Kong's wet markets represent a unique visual culture, a chaotic yet beautiful charm—the clamor of voices, vibrant colors, rich aromas, and the sincere interactions between vendors and locals. This is a world brimming with stories, carrying the tales and memories of countless small communities. Having painted with watercolors for ten years, creating an illustrated book has been a lifelong bucket list item! Through every stroke and line, I hope to convey fragments of memories that ignite all five senses, transmitting that most genuine and passionate warmth. "The Heartbeat of the Market" is a full-color illustrated book that immerses you in the atmosphere of Hong Kong's wet markets. Each illustration within the book is hand-painted with watercolors, capturing the unique play of light and the market's ambiance. These were then professionally scanned and digitized to ensure the highest quality printing results. Additionally, within this book, you will discover: 1) Daily scenes of the market: Starting from the author's childhood memories, relive every interaction and atmosphere within the market, feeling the friendly exchanges between vendors and customers. 2) A treasure map of the market: Explore the dazzling array of fresh ingredients and tools found at the stalls in Hong Kong's wet markets. 3) Cultural tidbits: The book includes some fun, lesser-known facts about wet markets, allowing readers to easily absorb cultural information while enjoying the stories. Paperback Book Specifications: Dimensions: 18cm x 27cm Pages: 68 pages Binding: Paperback Cover Finish: High-quality coated paper with matte lamination and UV spot varnish Paper Type: High-quality art paper Language: Traditional Chinese and English bilingual