The Imaginer: Kalun
The 27-year-old, Hong Kong-bred, mononymous Kalun attempts to capture the essence of humanity with his philosophical, thought-provoking photography. He has been awarded the prestigious Prix de la Photographie Paris for his personal work, and has collaborated with commercial giants Rodarte, Hugo Boss, Shanghai Tang and Club Monaco.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is a method of self-expression for me, and a way to ask questions. I want people to see my work and think twice about things they may have taken for granted before. I like to pay attention to narration, and how the relation between a given set of photos can tell a story. I think that’s due to my background in film studies. Photography also allows me to process my own thoughts and emotions. My current series, “Shito Shito” [“tiny raindrops” in Japanese], was shot during a period when my mother battled cancer and later passed away. When I look back at those photos, I can see my search for peace at the time. They hold a sense of suppressed emotion, like the calm before a storm.
What inspires you?
Humanity and Japanese culture, especially artists like Haruki Murakami and Ryuchi Sakamoto. Japanese people are extremely bottled up—they may be crazy on the inside, but can appear very normal on the outside. That inward frenetic energy and emotion with its outward appearance of calm fascinates me.
What advice do you have for someone looking to pursue photography as a career?
You really have to love it, and you need to figure out what you want to express. I want to showcase humanity and human emotion, so I focus on that. Some people say my work doesn’t truly show what I’m capable of technically, but I think excessive emphasis on technical ability detracts from your authenticity. Simple is the way to go.
Are there any specific challenges to being a photographer in Hong Kong?
Most local photography is generic and a bit artificial. It’s rare to find a photographer who takes risks and has something unique to say, especially in commercial photography. I’d like to see creative photography flourish to the point where artists can make a living from that alone. I currently use various other means to supplement my income.
See “Shito Shito” at a joint exhibition, “Somewhere You Were Home, Somewhere Half Alone,” featuring Kalun and three other local artists.
Jan 12, 2-6pm. Flat D, 10/F, Block 3, Golden Dragon Industrial Centre, 172-180 Tai Lin Pai Rd., Kwai Chung.
See more of his work at www.kalunphotography.com