‘Shadows of Paradise’

Direction and words by me, shot in Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong is a city that juxtaposes itself. Known as the city where eastern and western influences meet, these contrasting elements reflect themselves in the same way that both nature and the urban cityscape intertwine; a futuristic haven.

Despite this reflection of a wealthy city, about 20% of Hong Kong’s population live below the poverty line. Due to Hong Kong’s housing crisis, residents of the Yick Cheong Building, otherwise known as the Monster Building (see image 1), have been forced to live in enclosed, subdivided apartments that hold up to ten or more people. Often described as ‘cage’ homes, the people living in these extreme conditions suffer from a lack of natural light, quality airflow and privacy.

‘Shadows of Paradise’ aims to reflect upon the many contrasting sides of Hong Kong by visually displaying these elements beside one another. The look of both strength and softness in the subject, the bright lights of the city contrasted with the aged walls of the Yick Cheong Building, disparities in wealth and the intersection between nature and urban landscape.”