This image is an abstract study in urban isolation, captured on the IFC Mall roof garden in Hong Kong. In the harsh, light of midday, the metal and concrete roof is typically frequented by groups of office workers. However, amongst the towering teal and aquamarine skyscrapers of Central, I found this singular, quiet moment: a lone man resting on a slender bench. This photograph invites viewers to slow down and enjoy a brief escape from the demands of everyday life in Hong Kong.
Photographer’s Note
“At the time, I was exploring a specific aesthetic: finding solitary subjects within urban environments and then editing the photograph to give the effect you see here. The difficulty is in finding the right image to start with. I had been to this location many times before without any success however on this occasion I finally found what I was looking for.
The post processing involves carefully masking the man and the bench to isolate them from the surroundings. I then applied a vertical motion blur to the background of skyscrapers and the concrete foreground. By reintroducing the sharp subject into this “liquefied” scene, the resulting image transforms a standard city lunch break into an otherworldly, serene floating experience. You can find more examples of this technique in the Fine Art Gallery.”
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