Sunday, June 8, 2008

Happy, No Happy

My documentation of life by the railroad tracks in Central Bangkok came about with a conversation I had with a man who lived there. He invited me into his home and asked me simply, “Bangkok: happy, no happy?” In that instant, I had an epiphany. Here, in this tiny sliver of land, we can find all the ranges of emotion that encompass the joys and sorrows of the human spirit – the representation of all humanity.

My work had always been about connecting my viewers to my subjects. I believe that if we can relate to others and understand them, then we can accept them. By offering views into the windows of people's lives, I hope that we can find something of ourselves in their frailties and strengths and remember that we are all one people.


12 comments:

BlueCitrusArt said...

wow, great pictures, a lot of soul!
great contrast in b&w too.

Anonymous said...

i came over to your page via blurb and have to say that im deeply impressed by your soulful pictures. these are one of the best i´ve seen in ages. keep on that great work.

Anonymous said...

your photos inspire. i love how you capture beauty in decay and neglect. thank you for sharing...

Anonymous said...

you've probably been asked this millions of times.. but what camera do you use?

bawgaj said...

GREAT !!!

Lung Liu said...

Thank you, Irene.

Much appreciated, Oliver.

Rachel, you are very welcome - I'm glad you enjoy them.

Anonymous: Bronica SQai

bawgaj, thanks!

Miss Red, very lovely of you to say so :)

ptachu said...

Great job!!!

KASIA KALUA KRYNSKA said...

great! very emotional

Anthony Kwan said...

These are beautiful!!!

May I ask what film and chemical combo did you use? The skin tone is very nice!!

Thank!!

Lung S Liu said...

KHC1013, I use whatever black and white film is available and have it processed in the lab...generally in sunlight, I use more low contrast film such as txp and flat light, I use higher contrast film like delta. It's more about light and printing than it is about film and processing.

Anthony Kwan said...

Thanks for replying me. The first photographs, the highlight on the skin with all the dark details are just stunning!!! I love it!!

Light and printing? So are all your works not scanned from negative but scanned prints? I have not been into a wet darkroom for a long time. You give me the motivation to jump back in again.

Anthony Kwan said...

and between, just added you on flickr
:)