Recap | Explore Fan Ho’s iconic Portrait of Hong Kong photos from his final book project
Discover captivating images by renowned photographer Fan Ho, who was known as the ‘Cartier-Bresson of the East’, showcasing Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s
Step back in time and experience the vibrant Hong Kong of the mid-20th century through the lens of renowned photographer Fan Ho.
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His final book project, Portrait of Hong Kong, showcases previously unseen images that offer a nostalgic journey through the old city’s streets and harbour views, from bustling thoroughfares to tranquil harbour views.
The works show a more documentary-style approach than Ho’s iconic, stylised street scenes and were curated after his death with the help of his family and the founder of Hong Kong’s Blue Lotus Gallery, Sarah Greene.
“Quarter to Four” is an example of Fan Ho’s use of natural light in his photography. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery.
“The Last Beam” from award-winning photographer Fan Ho’s final book project, “Portrait of Hong Kong”. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“Thriving Market”. Fan Ho’s last book showcases a more documentary style of photography compared with the stylised street scenes of 1930s to 1960s Hong Kong for which he was known. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“Surreal Sai Wan” is one of many of Ho’s photos that remind us how much Hong Kong has developed since the 1950s and 60s. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“The Young Punter”. For his final endeavour the celebrated photographer went through his extensive archive of negatives to compile a series of work that had not previously been published. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“In Deep Thought”. In 2015 Fan Ho selected about 500 old negatives from his archive for his last book “Portrait of Hong Kong” which he then cropped in his signature style. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“Dancing Canopies”. After Fan Ho’s death in June 2016 it took another year for the book project to be completed. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“Balance”. The images chosen for “Portrait of Hong Kong” feel closer to a pure street photography style compared to his previous approach. Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
“Master Craftsman”. Fan Ho’s works can be found in private and public collections around the world, including the M+ Museum (Hong Kong), Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Bibliothèque National de France, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Santa Barbara Museum of Art (USA). Photo: Fan Ho / Blue Lotus Gallery
