A photography exhibition in Hong Kong will explore the past life of the harbour city between 1959 and 1960.
A total of 130 photos will be shown at the F11 Foto Museum in the exhibition which will take place between the 3rd October 2019 and the 28th February 2020. The show is called Ed Van der Elsken – Hong Kong the way it was. It will be the first time Elsken’s series will be shown in its entirety.
The Prettiest of cities
Dutch photographer Ed van der Elksen, considered one of the most influential of the 20th century, stayed in Hong Kong for three weeks during an around the world trip. He fell in love, describing it as the ‘prettiest of harbour cities’.
Elksen rediscovered his photographs in 1989, a year before his death, and decided to show them to the world.
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Forgotten Past
The photographer aimed to capture the essence of the city and the people from all walks of life at the time.
The exhibition is particularly poignant considering the current political current climate in Hong Kong, and comes at a time where visitors can reminisce on simpler times.
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Riots have gripped Hong Kong since June this year due to the political instability surrounding legislation to extradite those convicted of crimes in China and Taiwan.
While political unrest continues in the city, this exhibition provides escape and insight to the times of the past.
In 1989 Elksen said of his photos: “You will see not only the architecture that has changed, but a whole way of life, a tempo of life.”
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In the gritty and candid photographs, Elksen demonstrates a great warmth and hope for old Hong Kong.
The F11 Foto Museum promotes photography through exhibitions of rare cameras, books and photos.
