Photographer Wing Shya
Wing Shya is one of Hong Kong’s best-known photographers, famed for his work with director Wong Kar-wai in “Happy Together,” “In the Mood for Love” and “2046.” He talks about the mixed blessing of inspiration that is Hong Kong.
I don’t think I’m an artist—I’m not crazy enough. I could never run half-naked through the snow.
For most of my life, I was quite a logical person. Then I studied abroad in Canada. Everyone at art school there was insane, just loonies. The teachers were all renowned artists who would pass joints around class, and tell us which rooms are best for sex.
My family was very supportive and gave me lots of freedom—just no money. Canada was the cheapest option.
Art school was the best experience I’ve ever had. Throw out the rules, do things from your heart, seek out your own feelings. I drew in dark rooms, where I couldn’t see.
Of course, I was not prepared for that kind of environment. That’s a common problem for students born and raised in Hong Kong. We live here in a cage of rules.
There was a life in Canada. I started a company with my schoolmates after graduation. But I left it after just a week. I came back to Hong Kong. I had a mission. I wanted to save the city.