TONG Hong Shing
Information Systems & Finance

Photo Collage
Photo, Paper and Mixed media
39 x 54 cm

Under the transition of the old urban structures to the new one, Wan Chai has been under dramatic changes in terms of the replacement of regional cultural heritages and symbolic buildings. I, as a part of this community, tried to show not only my sympathy for the loss due to the reconstruction scheme, but also an appreciation for some conservation of valuable buildings.

From the left, the Blue House, Old Post Office and the Pawn have been revitalized successfully with the function of exhibition for understanding of the regional history. At another side, however, we can see a different story for the Tai Wong Street West, Lee Tung Street and Lung Moon Restaurant. They were both under acquisition and now reconstruction regarding the plan of the Urban Renewal Authority. I used shatter effect to show the destruction of the Lung Moon restaurant as well as black and white effect as an expression of my sorrow.

At the top, a creepy hand reaching out from storm clouds and also the bulldozer are representing a potential threat to the residual heritages. And storm clouds are actually the uncertain factors in the future that impose this kind of threats such as another urban reform planning or business acquisition from real estate companies. As an observer, I found all these depressing, especially when sometimes it is not possible to align this kind of reform with the community’s wills.