Neo-Baak Jyut Chronicle 新百越紀, by Caleb Fung
Hong Kong International Photography Festival Satellite Exhibitions 2023
香港國際攝影節衛星展覽 2023
13.10.2023 - 19.11.2023
Monday to Sunday, 11:00-19:00
星期一至日，上午十一時至晚上七時
In the depths of history, Hong Kong existed as a fragment of 'Baak Jyut', a region steeped in tribal lore. I endeavor to shed the modern veneer of our city, escaping the chaos of human existence by delving into a realm where time dissolves, and nature's symphony envelops our senses. Aided by the enchantment of AI, you witness a city devoid of human touch, slowly dissolving into obscurity.
This project comprises a series of toned cyanotype prints – an ancient photographic technique dating back to the 19th century. Pioneered by botanist and photographer Anna Atkins, who created a photographic album of algae specimens, this method is considered a precursor to the first photobook in history. In my iteration, I utilise this technique to "collect" various species found in Hong Kong. I carefully selected six ancient beings for this sequence, a sunbathing prehistoric creature, spirals on ancient marble… each a testament to a time long before humanity's footprint.
Ultimately, this project aspires to create a sanctuary for the soul – a refuge removed from Hong Kong's modern constructs and a space offering respite from life's constant ebb and flow.
我們所在的土地在古代被稱為「百越」。以《新百越紀》為題，我逃離吵雜的人煙，嘗試忘記這片土地現有的面貌，於時間線上往後查探。人工智能技術，使得我們回歸原始。從熟悉的城市，模擬回歸至沒有人類痕跡的起初。
《新百越紀》包含一組染色藍曬照片 ( Toned cyanotype prints )。藍曬為19世紀發明的古老攝影技術。同為植物學家及攝影師的安娜·阿特金斯 ( Anna Atkins )，以藍曬作為紀錄藻類標本的方法，製作出史上第一本藍曬攝影畫冊。 我以此作為紀錄身邊不同物種的方法，曬印出六種不著痕跡，卻存在以久的生物。隨着呼吸起伏的鱗片、嵌於雲石裏的螺線。一絲絲生命的信息，連結至地球上千萬年前的宇宙奧秘。
寄望於尋索的旅程中，能換來一個心靈的安身之處。
Current Plans 2/F, Tak On House
13 Wong Chuk Street
Sham Shui Po
Hong Kong
香港深水埔黃竹街13號德安樓2樓
A walk through video of the exhibition in Current Plans, Shum Shui Po, Hong Kong.
Neo-Baak Jyut Chronicle ( Exhibition Teaser 2 ), by Caleb Fung
Neo-Baak Jyut Chronicle ( Exhibition Teaser 1 ), by Caleb Fung
