It was the Greek philosopher Empedocles (490-430 BC) who established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world - fire, air, water, earth.  Hong Kong-based British photographer, William Furniss, has taken Empedocles to personify the origin of his new series of vivid landscapes.  Combining the elements he creates a technical panorama of neons in water. The work evokes awareness of the unseen.  A subconscious imprint through the abstractions set upon the silky waves.  What is left is the soul of a city through the cosmos of colors and light reflected on the skirt of its skyline.


Artist’s Statement
“I photograph 21st century urban phenomena.

Photography can all too easily stop at the level of appearances and go no further. My work is more than that, is it evocative of my experience, offers me consolation in spite of the times, and is a reminder to exist in the moment. The act of photography is my motivation, the outcome is a signpost to a better life.

My photography starts with a chance encounter, briefly the potential for a photograph will appear, a minute flash of what “might be” – then flicker away just as suddenly.  And then the ideas come, my mind forms an optimal visual, and finally, I create those ideas in camera.

In reality a single image of mine can take years for all the right factors to come together, not just photographic factors but life circumstances too; what I am forced to create is meticulously managed serendipity. Dulcis ex asperis.

Human beings have made the colours of nature into an urban experience. Life is not black and white, we cannot ignore this reality. I shoot in colour. I like to capture the human quality of the urban environment, the common sense and repetitive order of events inside the apparent chaos at the highpoints of activity.

I love the crowded streets but I don’t want to engage or simply snap what is obvious. I want to record unique circumstances that describe an essential component of the place.

For many years my main subject has been Hong Kong. It is a tumultuous yet highly accessible urban environment. It is constantly inspiring to me. I am grateful for the life I have led here, and celebrate, preserve, and disseminate the city’s importance through my photographic work.” – William Furniss

William Furniss is one of Hong Kong’s most active and recognized photographers whose work was documented in the book Big Bamboo. Furniss’ work epitomizes his energetic and forceful style that personifies urban arenas the world over.