Behind Closed Doors

- 2nd prize 08 National Geographic International Photo Competition - Bronze Award from the HKDA Asia Design Awards 09 "Behind Closed Doors" is a photo series that documents the lives and living conditions of people residing in squats in Hong Kong. Spanning approximately 50 households, the series captures intimate glimpses of their daily realities, with ten selected images featured in a competition. The photographs were taken between March and May 2008 in the Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate, Hong Kong, one of the last remaining squats yet to undergo redevelopment. The estate's clearance was scheduled for January 2009, marking the final phase of public housing estate redevelopment in Hong Kong. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was common for households to leave their front doors open, allowing for better ventilation and fostering closer relationships among neighbors. In contrast, modern times have seen a shift, with most people keeping their doors shut, leading to a growing sense of alienation among neighbors. Through "Behind Closed Doors", the artist steps into the homes of squat residents to explore their living conditions and daily lives. The series also raises questions about how squat residents perceive the intrusion of outsiders and foreign environments, inviting the audience to reflect on the delicate balance between privacy, community, and the evolving dynamics of urban living.