The Spirit of Labour is Marcos Kueh’s ongoing textile series inspired by union banners and membership certificates from the Industrial Revolution era. The rich imagery and slogans on these historical artefacts are more than visual emblems – they once carried emotional and spiritual meaning, offering protection, solidarity and hope to workers in harsh working environments.

This newly commissioned installation, named The Spirit of Labour: ZhiNü by the artist, is the largest iteration of the series to date. Presented in a former cotton-spinning mill at the heart of Hong Kong’s textile production, it pays tribute to the resilience and contributions of female workers, whose labour is a fundamental yet often undervalued part of the industry’s history. The monumental collage of woven documentary photographs and blessing words illustrates the invisible threads connecting generations of female workers: friendship, care and collective strength. It invites us to honour the hands that have quietly supported the fabric of our everyday lives.

Supported by Mondriaan Fund
Produced in TextielLab, Tilburg and EE Exclusives, Heeze