The Hong Kong tram has a history of over a hundred years, accompanying us as we grow up, and the scene of trams running on the tracks has become a unique urban landscape in Hong Kong. Recently, to celebrate its 117th anniversary and the world record for the “largest fleet of double-decker trams in service,” the Hong Kong Tramways collaborated with Leica Camera to hold the “Ding Ding Witness” photography exhibition, presenting the works of 3 local photographers on the theme of trams. Through their lenses, they have captured many precious moments of the “ding ding”!
Leica cameras and Hong Kong trams have a long history, renowned for their excellent quality and precise craftsmanship. This time, the two sides jointly organized a photography exhibition for the first time, inviting local photographers Lin Xiaomin, Liu Guanlin, and Wong Kin-wing to tell the story of Hong Kong trams on Hong Kong Island through Leica cameras to the audience, and leaving a witness to the tram’s leap into the world record. The exhibited works value quality over quantity, with 15 photos documenting tram stations, trams in operation, masters maintaining carriages, and the production of trams inside the Whitty Street depot, capturing various precious moments.
Photographer Lin Xiaomin’s book “Hong Kong’s Lost Beauty – Record of Hong Kong’s Old Shops” is well-known for her exploration of hidden beauty and documenting old objects. This time, she was specially invited to visit the tram depot, capturing every detail of the daily operation of the depot, witnessing the “Made in HK” tram industry. From technicians, craftsmanship to components that witness the era, she presents them all to the audience through the lens of Leica.
Lau Koon-lam’s photography often focuses on urban landscapes and scenery, detailing changes and the history of Hong Kong. To create the works in this photography exhibition, he traveled between cities, capturing the historic trams and unique landscapes created by the modernized city. In addition, he also entered the tram depot to document this place of historical creation, experiencing the contrasts and changes of the modern city.
Wong Kin Wing is a local street photographer, and his creative inspiration comes from everything around him. He is skilled at capturing moments that touch the soul. For the works exhibited this time, he patiently observed, waited, and captured one infectious smile after another at multiple train stations and on trains. He believes that masks cannot hide smiles, so he documented the warm smiles under each mask in his work, inviting the audience to witness the warmth of humanity together.
Living in this city, the tram has long been a part of our lives. However, what we usually notice in our daily lives is often the scenery outside the tram. It is rare for photographers to capture the scenes we usually overlook through the light and shadow of the camera, such as the daily life of the tram route, how the factory workers maintain the tram, or even the quiet moments when the tram slowly travels. Why not visit the exhibition and feel the sentiment of the tram from these photographs.
“‘Ding’ Witness” Photography Exhibition
Date: From now until November 4, 2021
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Location: Leica Hong Kong Causeway Bay Flagship Store
