Amidst the chaotic hustle and bustle of city life, it can be easy to overlook the hidden world that exists above street level. For Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, a talented French photographer, the upper floors of residential buildings and commercial towers in Hong Kong have become a source of fascination and inspiration.
In his latest book, “Echoing Above,” Jacquet-Lagrèze captures the mesmerizing ecosystem that thrives high above the ground in Hong Kong. The city’s unique density has forced it to grow vertically, resulting in a landscape that is both architecturally stunning and teeming with life. According to the artist, this vertical growth has not only shaped the city’s skyline but also influenced the relationship between humans and nature in this urban environment.
With the South China Sea surrounding three sides of the city and vast expanses of public parks, Hong Kong has managed to avoid the horizontal sprawl that plagues many other urban areas. Instead, the residents have built upwards, creating towering skyscrapers and high-rise apartments that seem to touch the sky.
Jacquet-Lagrèze, who has called Hong Kong home for nearly a decade, often explores the city on foot to discover new locations for his photography. He has a particular fondness for Kowloon, a vibrant district known for its unique architecture and cultural heritage. Through his lens, he captures the intricate details of the city, from laundry hanging out of windows to workers perched precariously on bamboo scaffolding.
One of the most striking aspects of Jacquet-Lagrèze’s work is the juxtaposition of urban structures with elements of nature. Trees, birds, and other forms of wildlife have found a way to thrive in this concrete jungle, with Chinese Banyan trees sprouting from rooftops and birds making their homes among the skyscrapers. The photographer’s images reveal a delicate balance between man-made structures and the natural world, showing how these two seemingly disparate elements coexist in harmony high above the bustling streets below.
Despite the constant cycle of growth and removal of trees from rooftops, Jacquet-Lagrèze finds beauty in the ever-changing landscape above. His photographs capture the play of light and shadow on the sides of buildings, highlighting the unique interplay between nature and architecture that defines Hong Kong’s skyline.
“Echoing Above” and other works by Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze are available for purchase on his website. Some of his photographs will also be on display at the Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong this month. For more captivating images and behind-the-scenes glimpses, follow the artist on Instagram.
As you immerse yourself in Jacquet-Lagrèze’s stunning visual storytelling, take a moment to appreciate the hidden world that exists above the city streets—a world where trees, birds, and humans coexist in a delicate dance high above the urban landscape.
