Renowned film icon Chow Yun Fat is celebrated not only for his exceptional acting skills and iconic screen presence but also for his deep passion for photography. This time, Chow steps into the spotlight as a photographer, presenting a captivating charity exhibition titled “Hong Kong‧Morning”, which reflects his profound love for the city. From now till 2 January 2025, the exhibition will take place at Ocean Terminal Main Concourse, Harbour City.
The exhibition’s centerpiece, “Untitled” presents a new perspective on the enchanting vistas of Victoria Harbour, revealing the harbour’s beauty under stunning lighting through the lens. Beyond this, the exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three immersive sections: “Hong”, “Kong” and “Morning”. Each section features a distinct theme—floral photography, street scenes, and a unique “Selfie” series—showcasing a total of 30 stunning photographic works. Each invites viewers to experience his keen eye for the subtle details of life.
Chow’s deep affection for Hong Kong shines through, complemented by his commitment to social welfare. Limited edition prints of the showcased works will be available for charity sale, priced from HK$2,800 to HK$28,000. All proceeds, after covering essential costs, will be donated to the Wai Yin Association and the HK Saving Cat and Dog Association. This initiative reflects his dedication to making a positive impact and supporting meaningful causes within the community. Harbour City Estates Limited proudly made the inaugural purchase of “Untitled” for HKD 300,000, expressing heartfelt appreciation for Chow’s support and encouraging collective participation in charitable endeavors.
Key artwork “Untitled”: A City Silhouette in the Black Rain—The Unseen Beauty of Victoria Harbour
The highlight of this exhibition is a breathtaking photograph of Victoria Harbour captured during a black rainstorm—an extraordinary moment that Chow seized from the Ocean Terminal rooftop car park. Despite the daytime setting, the sky was shrouded in gloom, and as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre switched on its lights, the signage on the towering skyscrapers across the harbour also illuminated the scene. In a delightful coincidence, three vividly coloured Star Ferries were docked near the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, including the classic white and deep green ferries, as well as the iconic Star Ferry adorned with the “Flying Dragon” logo. This created a stunning contrast of black and white against vibrant colour in the artwork. “I find it so special and rare to have such an opportunity to capture the scene—and that’s what photography is about,” Chow recalled. From black-and-white film to digital photography, he retains his meticulous and patient approach, thoughtfully composing each shot and waiting for that perfect moment to emerge.
Exhibition Section “Hong”: A Dreamlike, Fleeting Floral World
In addition to the key artwork, the exhibition unfolds across three captivating sections. The “Hong” section features an elegant magnolia, a budding red buttercup, a blooming yellow daisy, and more. Each photograph invites viewers into a dreamlike realm, where every image resembles a stunning oil painting. Chow cherishes a magnolia plant at home that blooms each March, and to capture its beauty up close, he ingeniously modified his camera to allow for skillful use of a wide aperture, resulting in a striking bokeh effect. The shallow depth of field lends these works a soft, ethereal quality, delicately revealing the enchanting allure of each flower.
Exhibition Section “Kong”: The Morning Charm of Central—Capturing the People-City Connection
Since last year, Chow has made it a daily ritual to exercise in Central each morning. With his passion for photography, he seizes the opportunity to head out early, wandering through the vibrant streets and hidden alleys of Central, capturing the enchanting morning scenes of the city. “Some days bring rain, and the streets glisten with moisture. As dawn breaks, Central takes on a gentle, misty charm that feels serene, with people rushing to work or delivering food. The atmosphere here is entirely different from what we experience during the day,” Chow reflects. He captures the lively essence of these mornings, featuring women in flowing skirts, devoted cleaners, and hurried office workers—all nameless heroes quietly sustaining the city’s heartbeat.
With people bustling by on the streets, Chow pauses to capture fleeting moments through his lens, conveying the essence of the city while inviting the public to interpret his work in their own way. “Photography is a deeply personal experience. Each photograph encourages you to engage with it on your own terms,” he shares. This beautifully illustrates the invaluable connection between people and the city.
Exhibition Section “Morning”: Chow’s Class Selfies —Exploring the Photographer-Subject Relationship
In the four selfies featured in the “Morning” section, Chow skillfully captures his reflection in glass, seamlessly merging with the vibrant life of the streets. It creates a subtle yet powerful sense of presence, allowing him to connect deeply with the bustling crowd while leaving his unique imprint on each piece. The interplay between photographer and subject adds an intriguing dimension to his work. During the creation of one selfie, he was unexpectedly recognized by a passerby. “At the moment he asked for a photo with me, I captured this delightful interaction through the glass reflection. The image not only includes the person requesting a photo but also my own reflection,” he shares. The interaction between the photographer and subjects enriches the amusing story behind the moment.
Harbour City has specially produced a limited-edition print publication for the exhibition. Apart from designated distribution points across Hong Kong, visitors can receive a free copy of the publication onsite upon posting photos of the exhibition on designated social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram or Xiaohongshu with specific hashtags. Limited quantity is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Hong Kong‧Morning” Chow Yun Fat Charity Photography Exhibition
Date: 18 December 2024 – 2 January 2025
Time: 10am – 10pm
Venue: Ocean Terminal Main Concourse, Harbour City
Remarks: Free Admission
