After Walker Evans - Savannah
After I arrived in Savannah, I was immediately drawn in by the city's rich history and unique atmosphere. This personal fascination with Savannah's history and character became the driving force behind my photographic series.
As a photographer, I've always been fascinated by the history of the medium, and Walker Evans is one of the photographers I admire most. I found out he has worked on documenting Savannah after the Great Depression and it inspired my latest project, "After Walker Evans - Savannah".
Through "After Walker Evans - Savannah ," I set out to pay homage to Evans' work by rephotographing the same architecture he documented. I was struck by the fact that many of the buildings in Savannah have remained largely unchanged since Evans photographed them, allowing me to easily locate the places he had documented and to gain a deeper appreciation for his work.
As someone who grew up in Hong Kong, where old architecture is often disregarded in favour of modernization, I found Savannah's preservation of its historic buildings and landmarks to be particularly intriguing. Through my photographs, I aimed to explore the intersections between history and the present, and to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
In my work, I also aim to convey the idea that history is always affecting us, even in the present day. By capturing the same angles as Evans, I hoped to create a visual dialogue between his work and mine, and to provide a contemporary perspective on Savannah's evolving landscape.
Additionally, this project was a way for me to heal after living in a place that had a disregard for its own cultural heritage for so long. By documenting the preserved architecture of Savannah, I was able to gain a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and the importance of honoring our shared history.
Ultimately, my goal with this project was to create a body of work that honors the legacy of Walker Evans while also inspiring viewers to appreciate the beauty of everyday life and the significance of preserving our shared history and culture."
