Lecture Notes: Michael Wolf's Photographic Exploration of Hong Kong

Introduction

• Speaker: Michael Wolf
• Background:
  • Born in Germany
  • Worked as a photojournalist
  • Moved to Hong Kong in 1994
  • Lived in Hong Kong until at least 2003

Photographic Journey in Hong Kong

• Initial Focus:
  • Worked in mainland China from 1994 to 2003
  • Traveled frequently for photojournalism
• Turning Point:
  • SARS outbreak in April 2003 prompted a personal crisis
  • Realization: Lived in Hong Kong for 9 years without photographing it

Exploration and Photography Style

• Daily Routine:
  • Walked the city from 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Developed a unique vision of Hong Kong
• The Architecture of Density:
  • Stylistic choice: no horizon or sky visible in photos
  • Metaphor for mega cities:
    • Monstrous, immense buildings
    • Repetitive patterns
  • Interpretation: Each window represents a family or individual

Insights into Hong Kong's Urban Life

• Back Alleys:
  • Contrary to other cities, Hong Kong's alleys feel safe
  • Used by workers, common people, and as storage
  • Became Wolf's favorite paths for exploration
• Categories of Discovery:
  • Mops, gloves, covered carts
  • Creative drying and storage methods

Collecting Traces of Everyday Life

• Interest in Objects:
  • Collected over 100 chairs
  • Objects reveal more about people than direct portraits
• Transactions:
  • Paid residents for objects (e.g., $500 HKD)

Mission and Documentation

• Role of Photography:
  • Documenting vanishing elements of Hong Kong due to urban renewal
• Government Actions:
  • Test cleansing of 13 alleys, resulting in sterility

Conclusion

• Continuous photographic exploration and documentation of Hong Kong
• Emphasis on capturing the mundane traces left by individuals, which provide insight into urban life.