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Passing Time - Photographs by Mao TongQiang

Sat to August 30

Fujimage Gallery

Does it seem that time passes quicker the older you are? One minute, you're in school studying for exams; the next minute, you've been working at your job for years.

One measure of the passage of time is the construction of buildings. In the time I've been in Hong Kong, the skyline has changed dramatically. Central Plaza in Wan Chai used to be the tallest building; now it's Two IFC.

Photographer Mao TongQiang documents the change in his landscape with the exhibition Passing Time.

In the wild and deserted area of Jinshan County, in the outer suburbs of Shanghai, Mao photographed the construction of 12 artist-designed buildings over 100 days.

With black and white film, he slices time into prolonged moments. He shoots from the same angle each day, allowing you to witness the change in the landscape.

One series begins with a photo showing an area of land that's barren, almost lifeless, with a few leafless trees. Slowly, steel rods are inserted into the ground and the foundations are laid.

Next, the trees are in full bloom and a modern village house starts to take form. And lastly, the house is completed - sharp geometric exterior walls are smoothed with white paint. The urban-like structure stands in strong contrast to its arid, rural surroundings.

Mao says that, however beautifully built the complex is, it will be eroded gradually and will inevitably become a ruin in the wilderness one day.

Daily, 9am-10pm, 3/F HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai; Mao TongQiang and art critic Lu Peng host a talk, Sat, 3.30pm. Inquiries: 2582 0279

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