Concrete and Soil
Marco Yat Chun Chan
Shortlist
Hong Kong’s rapid rise from a fishing village to a global hub from only 25% of its land developed, with the rest reserved as natural areas. This balance creates a striking contrast between the vibrant pulse of city life and the stillness of nature, embodying a core aspect of Hong Kong’s character. Amid high-rise buildings, traffic, and constant construction, nature’s resilience shows up in the form of trees breaking through sidewalks, plants growing on neglected rooftops, and roots intertwining with structures. Through Concrete and Soil, I want to celebrate this symbiotic relationship. Each photo in the series highlights the natural elements that subtly, yet persistently, impact the urban environment.
This is both a documentation and a reflection. It is a tribute to Hong Kong’s Lion Rock Spirit—the perseverance shared by its people and the nature that surrounds them. Concrete and Soil seeks to encourage viewers to acknowledge the presence of the natural world within their everyday lives, drawing strength and solace from its resilience. By bridging urban and natural, past and present, I hope to offer a perspective that inspires both pride in Hong Kong’s growth and respect for the natural spaces that support it.