Hong Kong with a view upwards.
02.06.2025Many people who think they know Hong Kong usually only remember the glass facades of modern skyscrapers, the huge shopping malls and the modern parts of the city. In Hong Kong, however, life pulsates between modernity and tradition. This is the subject of the latest monograph by photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze entitled Echoing Above. In his photo book, he shows the lesser-known parts of this city, which is now part of Chi-na, and puts the usually somewhat distorted image in perspective. With his pictures, he invites us to look upwards and discover the often overlooked beauty of its sky and architecture.
The online magazine Colossal recently reported in detail on this book and the planned exhibition in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Frenchman Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze offers us a unique perspective on Hong Kong’s urban environment. Through his lens, he reveals a hidden world that is full of life and resilience. The images in this book highlight unexpected details above the bustling streets, including the art of bamboo scaffolding, an iconic craft that is in decline. This traditional, lightweight and flexible craft has long characterized the city’s architecture, but is increasingly being replaced by metal scaffolding due to safety regulations.
In his new book “Echoing Above”, Jacquet-Lagrèze documents the trees, birds and people that inhabit the sky-high dimensions of the city, writes Colossal, where the photographer is quoted as saying: “Hong Kong’s unique density has allowed the city to grow vertically, and I have been inspired by the different aspects that this density brings, both from an architectural point of view and in terms of how it has shaped the relationship between man and nature in this city”.
In Echoing Above, Romain’s photographs capture not only the scaffolding, but also the diversity of bird life that animates the skies above Hong-kong. From cockatoos to blue tits, these birds add a touch of color and life to the urban landscape, reminding us of the constant presence of nature in this dynamic metropolis.
The book also highlights the resilience of the trees that grow through the cracks in walls and gutters, symbolizing the resilience of life. These green patches testify to the delicate balance between the built world and nature and encourage us to reflect on our impact on the environment.
Echoing Above is not just a collection of photographs, but a true love letter to Hong Kong. Each image celebrates the harmony between nature, architecture and tradition and encourages us to take a break from our everyday lives and rediscover the beauty that surrounds us.
The book reminds us that even amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Hong Kong’s natural and cultural beauty is worth celebrating and preserving.
About the author
Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, a French-Hong Kong artist, is known for his ability to capture modern city life with a poetic approach. By exploring the relationship between individuals and their surroundings, he highlights the beauty hidden in the often-overlooked details.
The book can be ordered directly from Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze’s website, where many of his images can also be seen.