Photographer Documents a Decade of Change and Marginalisation in Hong Kong
For ten years, photographer Kasper Forest has been chronicling the dramatic transformations of Hong Kong through the lens of its often-overlooked communities. His ongoing project, “Conflict Hong Kong,” focuses on the lives of those living on the margins of society – the homeless, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing unique challenges in a rapidly changing city.
Forest’s work isn’t simply documentation; it’s an attempt to make visible those who are often rendered invisible. He aims to celebrate diversity, framing differences not as obstacles but as a “precious form of existence.” The project, according to a press release, has involved deeply engaging with issues of identity and grassroots experiences.
The project has yielded over 600 black-and-white photographs, capturing candid street scenes and more formally arranged portraits. Forest, who adopted the pseudonym as a nod to his family name (Lam, which he says resembles two trees in Chinese characters), began “Conflict Hong Kong” in 2016 and intends to continue until 2026.
Forest’s journey to this work was spurred by a moment of self-reflection during a trip to Thailand. He recounts feeling ashamed after walking away from a conversation with a transgender woman, realizing he had been quick to judge. This experience prompted him to confront his own prejudices and use his photography to challenge those of others.
From February 13 to March 1, Forest’s exhibition, “Human Conflicts – A Decade of Recording the Invisible,” will be on display at Victoria 1842 Cafe & Bookstore in Tokyo, offering an international audience a glimpse into the lives and stories captured through his powerful imagery. The exhibition showcases a collection of portraits accompanied by poignant quotes from the individuals featured, offering a direct connection to their experiences.
