Hong Kong Interior Designer's Photo Exhibition Spotlights Connections to the Overlooked

Amidst the whirlwind of life, our paths intertwine with countless others at every twist and turn. These people, inhabiting the same street corners of our city, are our neighbours. Yet somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost the thread that once bound us together, along with our empathy for one another. Through the gaze of designer and photographer Jason Yung, a bond is forged with people with every click of his camera shutter.

His solo photography exhibition, named "Connection", is a series of portraits displayed at the Boffi | DePadova showroom. Each frame freezes a moment of life, inviting the viewer to ponder the depths contained within.

Each photographer goes through their unique photographic journey. For Yung, his journey began at a young age when he found himself drawn to people on the fringes of society — those facing economic, social, physical or mental disadvantages. Society often instructs us to be wary of them, to act as if they do not exist, but Yung refuses to accept such indifference. He believes everyone has a fundamental need to connect with others and to be respected.

His photography took a new direction following his debut exhibition in 2014. Encounters with various individuals sparked his pursuit of purpose and significance in his photographic journey. Over the past decade, photography has transformed from a mere hobby to a form of meditation for him, allowing him to interact with different cities and different people. This year also marks his 10th anniversary using the Leica M camera.

"As an interior architect, I have the privilege of regularly designing homes for wealthy families. An important part of my job is to enrich the lives of my clients by creating stunning and functional homes, much like crafting a gorgeous garment that brings a sense of fulfilment to people," he said. "Designing brings me immense satisfaction because I'm able to immerse in clients' worlds, understand their lifestyle requirements, and collaborate closely with them to turn their dreams into reality. There are instances where I exceed their expectations, and witnessing their delight fills my heart with joy. However, when I step outside the confines of the design studio, photography transports me into an entirely different realm—one where I can intimately explore the lives of marginalised individuals."

Through the lens of his camera, he immerses himself in the daily lives of the impoverished, venturing into their world and connecting with marginalised individuals who often remain unseen by society. Engaging in conversations, sharing laughter, sharing meals and capturing moments on film, he gradually realised every person, regardless of their circumstances, yearns for dignity and respect.

"I hope that through their portraits, I can encourage more people to be inclusive and respectful towards those living on the margins, regardless of their social status. Each person is complex. I use the camera to capture the hidden beauty in society - the camera has become a part of me, integrated with my very existence," Yung expressed.

People captured by his lens include those with missing limbs, distorted faces, homeless, critically ill and some who have left this earth. Some people can't face themselves and thus have not had their photo taken in a very long time, as well as couples who wander the streets and have never even taken a wedding photo. With a flash of the camera shutter, their faces and figures, this moment, are captured and frozen in time. Yung hopes to capture the confidence they have lost. Each frame represents the trust, respect and camaraderie between the photographer and his subjects.

"As a designer, I believe the key lies in wholeheartedly experiencing life and embracing the dualities of emotions - the positive and negative, the beautiful and the ugly, the wealthy and the impoverished," he continued. "My aim in capturing these images was not just to preserve the dignity and individuality of the marginalised but to challenge the audience to reconsider this overlooked group. Instead of seeing them as society's hidden burdens, I want people to view them as neighbours worthy of understanding. With a swift click of the shutter, I can immortalise moments of someone's life, capturing the beauty within."

Significant barriers divide people, making the task of breaking through the initial awkwardness a challenging one, demanding patience. There was a homeless lady who had become a familiar presence in the streets of Central whom Yung managed to forge a decade-long friendship with. Over time, their bond grew, and he earned her trust. This trust allowed him to eventually take a photo of her as a keepsake, capturing the gentle smile on her face as she pushed a trolley of cartons.

Each photo also acts as a mirror of life. A man who lost his job found himself bereft of a place to call home. Yet even in the streets, he often encountered angels disguised as ordinary humans. He relied on God every day and embraced a life without worry. His heart was filled with peace and joy, as seen through the heartfelt smile he bestowed the camera.

After taking a series of his "friends"' photographs, he turned to Sandra Wong, his friend of two decades and founder and CEO of Kitchen Infinity. He requested her support for organising a photography exhibition at the Boffi | DePadova showroom. Sandra recognised a shared between the photo exhibition and the brand - "empathy." Boffi | DePadova 's meticulously designed kitchens are more than functional spaces; they facilitate deeper human connections, bridging individual experiences and fostering a sense of togetherness.

Yung pointed out: "Masterpiece-level architectural or spatial designs may not always be extravagant, but instead are imbued with empathy, values and deeper meanings that make them human-centric. Just like taking a photo, whether created with high-end equipment or a mobile phone, the essence of any work lies in the message it conveys." The best design is not unattainable but grounded, understanding the real needs inside people's hearts.

Jason took most of the photos featured in the "Connection" exhibition during his lunch breaks in Central, with a few taken in Italy, the birthplace of Boffi | DePadova. The photo frames mirror the proportions of Boffi | DePadova, letting visitors engage with the meticulously designed environments of Boffi | DePadova and experience the profound emotions of empathy, respect and understanding that permeate human connections.

The exhibit offers a photographic glimpse into the everyday lives of marginalised communities, inviting visitors to immerse themselves and connect with the underprivileged. It challenges traditional aesthetics and preconceptions, encouraging viewers to confront biases and develop empathy for the forgotten.

The "Connection" photo exhibition will open with an opening speech by Professor Douglas So (BBS, JPM) - Chairman of M Plus Collections Limited, member of West Kowloon Cultural District Foundation Limited and the former Vice-President of the University of Hong Kong.

Date: May 2 - May 20th

Address: Boffi | DePadova showroom（Cubus, G/F & 1/F, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay）

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