The appearance of writers makes a statement of the presence of Hong Kong literature, and their choice of books, such as that by Xixi and Leung Ping Kwan, marks the milestones of the development of local literature. Tattoo symbolises physical memories, faith and ideology, while “literature tattoo”, written with ink and brush instead of the needle, replaces pain of tattoo with the gentle touch of literature. It is also a new approach to bond people and words, as writers and artists offered their skin as writing surface came to feel the formation of each stroke of the Chinese character as if knowing it for the first time. The sublimation of the word (as in the idea of incarnation in Christianity) is how the title INKcarnation was conceived.

Chinese calligraphy is traditionally a matter of learning, integrity and morals; but in modern days it sheds its practical nature and only its artistic qualities remain. Young calligraphy Chui Pui Chee painted a new portrait of today’s intellectuals by bridging calligraphy and writers as he wrote on their skin. The photographer’s sensitivity is vital to the portrayal of each writer/artist’s uniqueness. Veteran photographer Bobby Sham Ka Ho gave the portraits a dreamy aura by using an antique lens. The blurring of the boundary between reality and illusion echoes the literary world that is both imaginary and real.