Tourists to Hong Kong return home and tell wonderful tales of a land where skyscrapers pop up on barren land within a few days. But there is a downside to progress. As we stand, surrounded by cranes and trucks, on a muddy piece of land once known as the Yau Tong estate, John Leung Chun-yu points out where the roof-top kindergarten used to be; where the children used to play; where the old bus stop was. 'It's sad, isn't it?' he sighs. The only reminder of times past are three forlorn-looking trees where construction - or destruction, rather - workers are dozing for their afternoon lap. Mr Leung is not a historian, nor was he ever a resident of the Yau Tong estate. He is a 21-year-old amateur photographer who became obsessed with the place in the few weeks after the residents had moved out, but before the demolition work began. The idea started last Lunar New Year when he visited friends near Yau Tong. He was drawn to the estate, which, although empty, still had signs of life, as if the families had left in a hurry. What attracted Mr Leung was how ancient it all seemed, full of little things which cannot be seen in Hong Kong anymore. Many of his photos are reminiscent of scenes from the old black-and-white Chinese movies, yet there is a certain irony to them. The ancient walls are decorated with pictures of motorcycles, Canto-pop stars and cartoon characters. 'You look at the flats and think it would be inhabited by lonely old men, yet there are so many signs of people, both young and old, living in harmony together,' he said. Some of the photographs seem to be happy reminders of the past, but most have an air of sadness. Particularly striking are the pictures of Buddha statues which had been left behind, standing guard over empty flats. 'To me, these photos reflect the nature of the nearby high-rise estates,' Mr Leung said. 'When you see these statues, you'd normally also see offerings, like food or incense. All that is left now is the shell. There is no more feeling to it.' In the same way, he says, while the residents had built up close relationships with their old neighbours, in the new estate they may live for years without knowing the names of their new neighbours. Mr Leung was not always interested in photography, or, for that matter, in anything in particular. He dropped out of school after Form Three and spent his time in a variety of jobs, from a real estate agent to a private investigator. Two years ago, he visited Pak Lai in Lau Fau Shan with some friends, where the spectacular views took his breath away, and he fell in love with photography. He now divides his time between studying photography and looking for a job as a photographer in newspapers and magazines. He is adamant that his quest for an income will not dampen his creativity. He was once given a job at a wedding boutique, but left within days because the lack of creativity was just too painful to bear. 'Those so-called si fu wouldn't have a clue as to what to do if you moved the camera a step away,' he says. Demolition. Tomorrow until Wednesday. Sheung Wan Civic Centre Exhibition Hall. Youth Arts Festival
