Fan Ho

Whether it is the slums of Hong Kong, its pulsing city streets, or a light-filled stairwell, the patterns of daily life are the inspiration for Fan Ho’s still photographs. Inspired by the Bauhaus point of view and a strong sense of abstraction, Fan Ho’s cosmopolitan, multicultural Hong Kong becomes a magical city of light and dark, shadow and substance, crowds and isolation.  The veneer of nostalgia they exude is beautifully balanced by the abstract way in which they are configured--quiet pictures making for admiration and contemplation.

Born in Shanghai in 1932, Fan Ho and his family later migrated to Hong Kong, where he began to experiment with still photography. During the next twenty years he won over two hundred fifty international awards and competitions for his experimental and unconventional photographs, and at the same time established himself as a major filmmaker.  (Carnal Desire, Szechuan Concubine, Taipai My Love, Lost, and Miserable Girl have all become cult classics). He has exhibited in many one-man shows throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas and his photographs are in collections throughout the United States and worldwide.

Back Alley, 1956
19 x 10" vintage silver print

At the Crossroad, c.1960
17 x 13.375" vintage silver print

Back Lane, 1962
19 x 7" vintage silver print