David Hilgier Photographs

Darkness never completely arrives in certain parts of Hong Kong. Daylight gives way to the ambient light created by the city’s plethora of illuminated signs and building fixtures. Under a glow created by the mingling of various temperatures of light, a man utilizes the opportunity to assist with his reading.

Many streets on Hong Kong Island take on British names coined during its time as a colony. Des Voeux Road, named after a British colonial governor, is a main artery running through Sheung Wan and Central. A variety of transit ranging from bus to tramway utilize the thoroughfare encased in a jungle of skyscrapers.

Pedestrian stroll past two unrelated storefronts. The optimization of space in Hong Kong in certain instances creates blocks of vendors selling related products. However in others, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find a lantern and novelty store directly next to a hardware shop.

We crisscross our way through the heart of Wan Chai and the commencing evening commute on our way back to Sheung Wan. Detouring for mooncakes, dim sum, and a few egg tarts.

A collage of trolly tracks, road textures, and directional instructions as seen from the top level of a Ding Ding. The dampness from the continuing rain showers amplifies the vibrancy of the yellow and white markings.

Nearly obscured from view amongst the chaos at street level exists a small butcher shop. The day’s offerings displayed in its front windows and printed on paper affixed to adjacent walls. A lone proprietor prepares a purchase for a customer stopping by in the midst of the evening commute.

These markets are dotted throughout all parts of Hong Kong. Multilevel buildings with each floor allocated to the sale of certain staples including produce, meat, and poultry. In this instance, fish being one of the offerings of this market’s ground level. We also found that these cooked food markets would often have an area dedicated for vendors to establish cooked-food stalls. In my research leading up to the trip, a few places indicated that this is where the once prolific dai pai dongs have migrated to as a result of the city’s efforts to ‘clean’ up the streets.

Patterns of symmetry and repetition commonly found in large residential complexes were ubiquitous encounters to our Hong Kong explorations. Depending on perspective, these massive buildings and their Tetris like patterns would fill my entire field of vision. In this case, a Ding Ding passes between myself and a building to which many call home. Commuters visible through its rectangle windows which mimic those of the building behind it.

A scene replicating what I gravitate towards in an unfamiliar place. Vendors selling poultry, eggs, meat, and produce line a sidewalk on a relatively busy street. A novelty to me because I can’t think of a place like this in the city I am from where a lack of space forces the utilization of every square inch.

Nearly obscured from view, a woman hangs her laundry out to dry from an apartment window. A simple task demonstrating how easy the individual becomes inconspicuous within the massive scale of Hong Kong.