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I’m Sorry. I didn’t get that.
After 7 years, photographer and artist, Rich McCor (@paperboyo) returned to Hong Kong to once again transform some of the city’s iconic locations, including Victoria Harbour and M+, into something fun, clever and unexpected.
Here, Rich shares his favourite eats, photo locations, things to do and our recent content collaboration in Hong Kong.
Why or how did you choose some of the landmarks for your Hong Kong artworks?
I like to try and play with iconic locations, so for me the Peak Tram was a 'must have' to include in my concepts. I also remember being really struck by the architecture of the Bank of China building last time I was here, so I was really keen to develop an idea around that.
But there were some locations that I hadn't necessarily anticipated developing ideas around, but when I was exploring they sparked my imagination (the Mermaid concept on the Avenue of Stars being a good example).
Any favourites from the recent set of Hong Kong creatives?
I'm really happy with the Peak Tram concept as it was a lot of fun to come up with the idea for and also to make. I'm also really happy with the M+ concept as I think it came out really well-plus it was great to be able to do something with one of Hong Kong's newest additions to the skyline.
Any anecdotes to share while shooting these fun artworks with your paper cutouts?
I was in Hong Kong during a typhoon, so there was that to deal with but as someone who lives in the UK where we don't tend to experience that sort of weather, it added to the adventure! It also meant the next day when I was shooting neon sign photos the conditions were perfect as the ground was wet and the reflections photographed brilliantly. On this trip I was also really keen to indulge in HK's food scene, something I didn't take enough advantage of on my previous trip. So in-between walking around the city taking photos there were a lot of visits to some great cafes and restaurants- Bakehouse and Chop Chop being two standouts for me.
What were your favourite art experiences during your visit?
I really loved the West Kowloon Cultural District - it was a really peaceful corner of the city with an incredible view across to Hong Kong Island. I loved walking around there and exploring the M+.
Tai Kwun was also a great area to discover - both during the day and the evening. Also, trying to find the famous 001 speakeasy bar was a fun adventure with a fantastic payoff as it's been one of the main things I've been recommending people to do when they tell me they're off to Hong Kong.
As a photographer, can you share your top 3 favourite shots from this trip and why?
I loved going to Man Mo Temple in the morning just as the sun came through the roof at the right time to light up in incense smoke filled air. It’s an incredible scene to photograph but perhaps more so just to appreciate in person. I also loved exploring the streets after the wet weather as photographing neon signs in those conditions was perfect - I spent a whole evening just happily snapping away in pursuit of the perfect neon sign shot. I also really enjoyed wandering through the market at Lei Yue Mun and soaking up the atmosphere, the smells and the visual delights there.
Can you share your top 5 new discoveries you'd recommend visitors do when they're in Hong Kong?
- Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife. 001 speakeasy bar in Tai Kwun is great!
- Peak Tram at sunset
- Sourdough egg tarts at Bakehouse (but get there early before they sell out)
- West Kowloon Cultural District
- Neon signs around Mong Kok (especially if it's just rained)