The piece showcases a partly unwashed film positive image of the Hong Kong Stonewall Trees, from the project - ‘Exile to the Red Planet’. Defying limitations, Banyan trees sprout humbly on Hong Kong's slopes and walls, earning the name "Stonewall Trees" for their resilience. These trees play a crucial role in soil stability, anchoring themselves firmly and safeguarding both the terrain and human life.

The traditional craftsmanship of stonewall building is sadly no longer practiced and has been replaced by modern cementing techniques. The loss of this craftsmanship implies that once the existing Stonewall Trees vanish, it becomes increasingly difficult for new ones to emerge.

During the development of the negative in 2022, an unintentional overlapping of the film occurred, resulting in partly unwashed images. Remarkably, this unintended process formed patterns reminiscent of the intricate roots of the Banyan tree. This unintentional element metaphorically enhances the narrative surrounding the disappearing Stonewall Trees.

To further accentuate the artistic expression, the images were printed on a discontinued metallic paper. This choice not only adds a distinctive touch but also introduces an element of dynamism with ever-changing hues that shift when viewed from different angles and lighting conditions. The interplay between the partly unwashed images and the unique metallic paper contributes to the overall storytelling of the artwork, creating a visual and metaphorical representation of the vanishing Stonewall Trees in Hong Kong.

The project ‘Exile to the Red Planet’ features a Hong Kong native species, the Chinese Banyan, and the story of a neglected Banyan exiled to Mars. Click HERE to read the full story.

49x11cm
Archival pigment print on metallic silver paper, acrylic face-mounted, in wooden frame.
Limited edition of 9
Each edition is numbered and signed at the back, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

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