Wing Shya, a name that needs no introduction. We caught up with the maverick film and fashion photographer before the launch of his limited-edition photography books and an exhibition at Shanghai Centre of Photography on 7 November. From being an ideal ‘misfit’ to his idiosyncratic interpretation of Hong Kong, Wing touched on all things close to his heart.
What inspired you to become a photographer?
I had no plans of becoming a photographer. I chanced to do a photography project for some schoolmates, which they really liked and came back with more work. As I got more involved with photography, I realised that I really enjoyed shooting.
How has your education in the West influenced your work?
I found the cultures in Asia and the West to be radically different. While in Asia, we are inclined to be more conservative, in Canada, where I studied, I found out that we had freedom to try out everything. There was nobody to say ‘no’. That kind of creative freedom helped open my mind and expand my artistic horizons.
How was the experience of working with director Wong Kar-wai?
Wong Kar-wai is more like a father figure to me. He takes very good care of his entire crew. His ‘never-give-up’ philosophy of life has inspired me immensely. His genuine love for his work is also something that I have imbibed. I can easily say that Wong Kar-wai and his whole team have changed my life.
How do you balance the world of fine art with film and fashion?
I don’t believe in such strict labels. I treat them all equally as just work. I strive to blend the boundaries between fine art, fashion, photography, film, etc. I sometimes incorporate a ‘movie’ style of shooting to fashion shoots. I want to mix all the genres to have more fun and be more creative.
How do you satiate your own creative instincts while doing commercial work?
When I was young, I used to be selfish. I would push my clients to agree to my vision. But with age, I have become more understanding of my clients’ needs. We have an ongoing dialogue to understand their expectations better. We take into account market surveys. At the end of the day, I want them to earn more money as well. Through collaboration, we strike the right balance.
Hong Kong comes alive as a character in your work. How does the city inspire you?
I perceive a strange dichotomy in Hong Kong. While it’s such a busy city with so much noise, the individuals themselves are like islands of isolation in the midst of the busy, pushing, shoving crowds. I like making my photos super-noisy with bursts of colours, high saturation and sharp contrast. I want to capture the noise and the chaos of Hong Kong. But at the same time, I want to capture the loneliness of the people in the midst of the noisy milieu. I see Hong Kong’s women with such pretty faces and beautiful dresses, but their faces reveal their isolation. So through the blank stares of my models, I want to capture that ethos of loneliness. That’s my interpretation of Hong Kong.
How much importance do you lay on technique while shooting?
I think the soul of the photo is more important. I have very limited idea about technique. I like using so-called ‘wrong’ techniques. I love being wrong. I love being a misfit. There are too many people using the ‘right’ techniques, I prefer to be wrong.
What is your advice to aspiring photographers?
My only advice is, don’t listen to my advice or anyone else’s advice. Just listen to your own heart and follow your own direction.
Exhibition details:
7 November 2017 – 14 January 2018
10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (open on all national holidays)
Shanghai Centre of Photography
2555-1 Long Teng Avenue, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
Books are available for pre-order ($2,388 until 7 November)
http://www.forwardassembly.com/projects#/wing-shya-photography-book/
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay