Comments on: Hong Kong Photography : 100 x 100 sq ft Rooms in Shek Kip Mei Estate

By: Red Capp

Red Capp — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:03:46 +0000

On the other hand, this isn’t about humanitarian aid, or Habitat for Humanity. It’s a work of art, an important, thought-provoking and moving collection of photos to be interpreted by the observer in any way they see fit. Sometimes art isn’t about flowers and sunsets. The people depicted in all of these rooms almost collectively show pride in themselves and their meager surroundings, and it’s all about making the best of a situation. I’m not interested if Wolf likes Hong Kong or not, or if he “lied” to his subjects in the photos. The important thing is that, as a work of art, it’s unique, moving and one definitely comes away thinking about people and their ability to adapt. The individual way each room is arranged, either by chance or by choice – this work of art is important by the statements the occupants DON’T make. Wolf, like most artists, has the intelligence to make his work communicate. Apparently, not all ovservers of art have that sensitivity or ability to appreciate that.

By: sifu

sifu — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:26:51 +0000

Hi HKer,

I haven’t seen much of Wolf’s work other than from the links on this site, but I think your points sound valid. I think there is a fine line between these people’s homes looking like exhibits for the rest of the world to peer into and looking like intimate portraits of these lives.

The gratitude or greatness – could this be the result of professionally distancing himself from his subjects?

By: HKer

HKer — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:14:15 +0000

I wonder if Michael Wolf the photographer ever revealed to these people his intention of publishing these photos of 100 private spaces to be sold for money. Knowing how conservative the Chinese are, he probably lied to get his shots.

I fail to detect any human element in his photographing and displaying of pictures – people’s homes are more like exhibits for him, placed neatly one next to another.

I’ve seen his other book called back door front door or something like that – a book full of mops and he’s calling it a book on Hong Kong! He seems to really hate the city where he’s making a living.

I also fail to locate any gratitude or greatness in him as a person or a photographer.