I moved to the Frontier Closed Area in 2015. When I settled and lived there, I realized that Sun Gai ( 新界, the Chinese name for the New Territories) means the new boundary. This discovery also struck me as its meaning differs from its English counterpart, like the two sides of a coin. I noticed that the pair 香港回歸(Hong Kong Reunification) and Hong Kong Handover bear a similar disparity. 

July 1, 1997, 6 am. The Black Rainstorm Warning was up. I was recording the inaugural entry of the People’s Liberation Army to the territory at Jockey Club Road, Sheung Shui, as a photographer for the Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Government. Soon the troop was out of sight, and the downpour stopped. I met the eyes of an expatriate on the opposite side of the railing. We shared a smile. I asked him, “How do you feel?” He gave it a thought before telling me, “It’s mixed…….”

This episode that happened 25 years ago planted in me a seed, which slowly budded and grew during the past ten years. However, it bore no flower or fruit for a long time since I could not comprehend Hong Kong and the New Territories. Worse, as my worldview was concerned, I was getting mixed up. Fortunately, I ran into Desmond Wong and Leung Chiu Yin while exploring this place. The two are highly disciplined and systematic. From them, I learned a lot and realized that I am different. I genuinely appreciate their ardent support for me and the show as they see me through and put this exhibition together. Thank you so much. 

As we journey on, inevitably, we will find ourselves working against the grains, whether you are an academic, a person in the street, or an artist. Somehow, all walks of life share the same fateful destiny. 

Borders ain’t boundaries ? It’s folly to be wise.

Let the wind blow and blow. Bidding goodbye is too difficult. Yes, we know it is only a bubble. Shall we freeze it in time to tell a story or fable before we run out of time?

P.S Thanks to our executive producer Paul Ning for naming the project “Hearsay In The Box”. Also, Kennis Ho, my football buddy and a fan of Manchester United, for his enthusiastic support in designing and producing the exhibits. Special thanks to Tai Sau Wai

An experienced photographer formerly employed in numerous media organizations and now working as a freelancer. His major works include “Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate”, “PAINTING with LIGHT – A Central without People”. ““Dances with the Green – An Art Exhibition on Northeastern New Territories””, “NENT style – life can be whatever” etc.