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A young and talented Shanghai photographer artist, Jennifer Zhou would launch her debut photography exhibition in Hong Kong at Galerie Ora-Ora II @Philia Lounge between Feb 10 – April 30, 07. Jennifer would like to share with her audience the normal lives of people living in Shanghai through her lens in this show. To also celebrate the coming of Chinese New Year, we are launching the opening of this artshow with a party “Shanghai Night” at Philia Lounge on Feb 10, 07 from 9pm till late with free entrance.
Artist Statement
The first time I get to know photography was in autumn 2002. I was studying in Canada and was really stunned by the beauty of the country, therefore, I used a small digital camera and captured every possible moment. With no proper training, I took photos with a carefree spirit. Half a year later, I was so lucky to obtain my first photography assignment. I was asked to take photos of the logo of an American company which would be used in their advertisements, website, catalogues or any other marketing materials. I was then able to purchase a more professional camera. it was a great encouragement and the recognition I gained confirmed my efforts made. Since then, I became more thoughtful and focused when taking photographs. After two years in Canada, I went back to China and chose to live in Shanghai in end of 2003. I was so curious by this modern, yet old, city. I have started a whole new journey in exploring images, to capture the different faces of the city by my camera, to observe and to understand the people living here. During this period, I met a photography teacher, Phil Douglis, on the internet, his influence and his help to me is enormous. He made me understand photography is not just for portraying beauty or recording purpose, but to focus more on expressing ideas and the emotions behind.
I feel that China is changing, a transformation that was not experienced in the past, cities and culture are developing so fast in such a manner that nobody could resist it’s power. At the same time, the older things are diminishing, people are living in conflicts both physically and psychologically with the merging of the new and old. All these complicated emotions are hiding in the normal lives of everybody but somehow it might be shown unintentionally. I love to capture these moments because they reflect reality of life.
I feel more and more interested in taking photos of ordinary people and the themes of their normal lives. I would take my camera and walk along the streets whenever I have time, as I believe no matter how ordinary it looks, everybody has a story behind. I would wait patiently for the hints of such stories to happen in front of my camera naturally, those are the images that I always look for. As a female photographer, I tend to be more sensitive and empathetic, I want to get closer to my “models”, I try to understand their stories and their past and through interacting with them I can capture the true facets of their lives. To me, photography is like an experience of spiritual nourishment, camera is like the bridge to make this happen. Contact: Margaret Liu @ 2851-1171
Address: Galerie Ora-Ora (Gallery II)
@Philia, 4-8 Arbuthnot Rd, Central HK. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00am – 2:00am
Sun & Public holidays by appointment only
(information provided by the venue)
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