The year 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return. The year 1997, chosen by fate for the return, bid farewell to 156 years of British colonial rule and gradually moved towards the motherland. To document this important history, the then twenty-something Birdy Chu specifically returned to Hong Kong to capture this moment of regime change in still images.
In the year of the return, the photography exhibition “Forty Years of Chinese Photography” by French photographer Marc Riboud was held in Hong Kong. His aesthetic inspired Zhu Xun, so he hopes to pay tribute to Marc Riboud by holding a photography exhibition 25 years later.
The photographer had emigrated to Canada before returning, feeling that Hong Kong was about to undergo major changes. So he returned to this place of his upbringing, capturing various fragments of the city through his lens. At that time, Hong Kong was heavily influenced by British colonial colors, with elements such as the Queen’s portrait and the British flag scattered throughout the streets.
At the same time, Chinese colors quietly entered this city. Zhu Xun humorously examines society, explores the small stories on the streets and alleys, allowing people to look back on how people settled in the historical moment of the transfer of power.
The exhibition is divided into two parts, with each part being displayed in two different locations from May to June. For those interested in the nostalgia of the past year, you may appreciate this series of precious photos by Zhu Xun that carry the history of the local area.
Part One
Date: Now until May 22 (Closed on Mondays)
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Artist Arthome
Part 2
Date: From 2022 to May 28 to June 18 (Closed on Mondays)
Time: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Yrellag Gallery
