JOSEPH HON CHOW LAI
Run

The darkness on both sides present an ominous feel of the unknown. A shadowy young figure emerges momentarily into the light. From the silhouette, we can not tell the gender, which added another layer of mystery. If not carefully captured, his/her presence could be easily missed. The light outlined the architecture in the background, which appeared to be a high stone wall, symbolically represents a prison and/or obstacle. The audience may ask him/herself:

Who is this young child? Who is he/she running from? Where is he/she heading? Is he/she in danger? Is he/she inside or outside the wall?

I hope this photo can have a narrative "thriller" feel to it by invoking the audience to think a bit deeper as to what story it may be telling.

Author
Joseph Hon Chow Lai explores the interplay of light, motion, and form through street, narrative, and fine art photography. Born in Taiwan and raised in New York, he draws from both Eastern and Western cultural influences, which shape his perspective and artistic voice. He was born into a family of filmmakers—his father and cousin were both honored with the Golden Horse Lifetime Achievement Awards, Taiwan’s highest recognition in cinema. This creative legacy made a deep impression on him from an early age, nurturing a visual sensitivity that would later evolve into photography. Now committed to his creative journey, he focuses more seriously on developing his photographic practice. His street photography captures fleeting urban moments with depth and contrast, while his fine art images transform movement and texture into expressive visual forms. United by a fascination with shadow and illumination, his work invites new ways of seeing.

Website
https://www.honchowlai.com

Instagram
@honchowlai

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