Renowned photographer Ho Fan captured the life of old Hong Kong in black and white photos. Through his lens, the people on the streets hustled for their lives, and the spirit of the underdogs striving to survive remains profound. Today, the works he left in the photography world are still precious cultural symbols of Hong Kong. Recently, Blue Lotus Gallery launched Ho Fan’s latest photography collection “Emotions, Insights, Sensations” and the exhibition of the same name, bringing to everyone the artistic crystallization of this legendary photographer’s different stages in life.
右：何藩《眼鏡爛了》1963, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
右：何藩《黑衣下》 1964, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
He Fan was born in Shanghai, China in 1931. His passion for photography began at the age of 14 when he received a Kodak Brownie camera as a gift from his father. As a self-taught photographer, He Fan integrated various styles to explore unique and aesthetic shooting techniques, eventually creating his iconic cutting style. Through cutting and editing photos, he demonstrated a visual storytelling concept akin to film production.
He, who has the reputation of “Oriental Brusson”, insists on the concept of “decisive moment”, striving to capture every perfect moment when pressing the shutter. Therefore, the exquisite composition, character movements, changes in light and shadow in each photo are arranged by the photographer’s keen sense.
The first article in He Fan’s latest photography collection “Emotion, Perception, Sensation” titled “My Attempt,” fully documents the exploration in between the lines, analyzing his definition of the harmony between aesthetics, poetry, and philosophy through words and numerous award-winning works. Photography enthusiasts can also appreciate the master’s essential works through this exhibition.
右：何藩《陰影》 1954, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
As the family of Ho Fan said: “Ho Fan is always in our hearts. Through the works he left behind, we feel closer to him. Every time we gaze at his unforgettable works, there is always a different experience, whether it’s the bygone era captured through his lens or the enduring human emotions.”
Ho Fan “Emotion, Perception, Sensation”
Date: November 18 to December 18, 2022 (Closed on Mondays)
Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Blue Lotus Gallery, 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Image source and learn more: Blue Lotus Gallery
