Wong Chung-Wai: Hong Kong After Hong Kong
In May 2021, Wong Chung-Wai embarked on a new chapter of his life as he and his family left Hong Kong to settle in the UK. In the six months leading up to their departure, Chung-Wai roamed the city alone, capturing moments with his camera that represented the intangible aspects he couldn’t take with him.
The photographs presented in ‘Hong Kong After Hong Kong’ serve as Chung-Wai’s visual lament for the city he once called home. Through his lens, he showcases the contradictions that define Hong Kong—the harmonious coexistence of urban infrastructure and nature, the blending of ancient and contemporary elements, and the interplay between artificial and natural light amidst the city’s coastal surroundings. Despite being one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Chung-Wai’s photographs convey a sense of solitude, often featuring solitary figures set against cinematic backdrops. By exploring the city on foot and paying attention to overlooked details, he invites viewers to join him on a personal journey through the streets he once knew so well.
More than 40 years prior, Chung-Wai’s parents had made a daring escape from China, crossing the waters of Shenzhen Bay to find refuge in Hong Kong. Armed with only limited supplies and a compass, they undertook a treacherous 20-hour journey that involved swimming and walking for 40 miles. Although Chung-Wai’s own journey to the UK was comparatively more comfortable, the echoes of his parents’ escape reverberate throughout his own story.
Reflecting on the shared fate of these two generations and their decision to uproot themselves from their homelands, Chung-Wai contemplates that it was not a direct act of rebellion, as they did not dare, but rather an act of stubbornness—a refusal to be deceived.
About the Author
The photographer and filmmaker Wong Chung-Wai has a background in digital visual design, having successfully completed their education in the field. With a career spanning over fifteen years in the movie industry, he has held various positions such as movie production manager, location manager, and scriptwriter, showcasing his versatility and skills. His specialization lies in location scouting and management, ensuring the perfect settings for captivating cinematic narratives.
Having traveled extensively, Wong Chung-Wai has had the privilege of capturing breathtaking images from different parts of the world. His ability to interpret these photographs within the context of a movie scene has become a significant aspect of his professional journey.
Recognized for their talents, this photographer/filmmaker has been featured in prestigious exhibitions and received notable accolades. In 2021, he was shortlisted as an emerging artist in the Lucie Scholarship Program. Additionally, his work was displayed in group exhibitions such as the Moment Street Photo Awards at Gaude Mater Cultural Promotion Center in Poland in 2020.
His photographs have also been published in renowned magazines. Notably, his work was showcased in Abridged Magazine’s 81st issue titled “Xanadu” in 2022, as well as featured in Noice Magazine. In 2021, F-STOP magazine dedicated a portfolio issue to his captivating artistry, highlighting him as one of the featured artists. His photography project, bidding farewell to Hong Kong, gained attention from It’s Nice That.
With a combination of technical expertise, a keen eye for locations, and a dedication to visual storytelling, the photographer/filmmaker continues to explore and make meaningful contributions to the world of photography and filmmaking.
