Photo courtesy of Wing Shya

Ever felt alone in a crowded room? Internationally-acclaimed Hong Kong-based photographer Wing Shya explores modern urban isolation in his latest exhibition, presenting a commentary on the emptiness of success and fame.

Shya, whose body of work includes films with Wong Kar-Wai and fashion photography for TIME and Vogue, will exhibit Sweet Sorrow in collaboration with Hong Kong’s Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF), to raise funds and awareness to support underprivileged cancer patients finance diagnoses and treatment.

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The charity initiative will showcase a collection of photographs exploring isolation and loneliness against a backdrop of bustling urbanisation. Shya looks at the link between detachment and overexposure to technological and sensory stimulation, contrasting the individual against the scene of an overactive, restless community.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though; placed against the dark and busy background, Shya uses dashes of colour in a Japanese Manga-inspired style that gives the provocative images a playful side.

“Times change, but change is beautiful,” says the artist, giving the exhibition a hopeful feel.   

Sweet Sorrow will be exhibited in Loft 22 from March 14-17, 2017.

Tickets for the opening reception on March 14 (6-8pm) are available for HK$800--all proceeds from the opening are directed to HKAHF’s Cancer Fund.

For further information, visit www.hkahf.org.hk or contact joyce.cheung@hkahf.org.hk.

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