
Portrait of Hong Kong
- Publisher
- WE Press
- Year
- 2017
- Specifications
- Hardcover
26.5 × 33 cm
220 pages
Black and white and colour photographs
Chinese / English
This is the latest book project by the famous photographer and director Fan Ho, composed of unpublished images taken from his enormous archive of negatives. The sequence takes us on a journey that crosses Hong Kong island from west to east, characterized by a photographic language closer to documentary photography compared to his previous approach to street photography, which was more graphic and aesthetically refined. In his manifesto “Thoughts on Street Photography”, of which carefully selected quotes can be found throughout the book, the author states: 'My most realistic street photos are rarely chosen. Painterly aesthetics and images with a hint of humor are still the most requested, but I expect that to change soon. In the meantime, I'll keep trying." In 2015 Fan Ho's latest dream began to materialize: the author selected around 500 old negatives from his archive, cutting them into his characteristic style. After the unfortunate event of his passing, it took another year to complete the project with the help of his family and Sarah Greene. In addition to the images, the book begins with a touching foreword written by John Woo about his personal encounters with Fan Ho. The book also includes an essay by Professor Joseph Fung. Fan Ho's colorful life is summarized by Sarah Greene in the biographical notes accompanying multiple conversations and recordings with the artist. This is the latest director's cut of Fan Ho. May this trip bring us all some good old memories of the Hong Kong of old. Click here to "browse" the complete volume