Simon Go

each titled, signed, dated 2007 and numbered 5/8

Hong Kong, Shanghai Street Artspace, Orchestration - Hong Kong Old Shops - Solo Exhibition of Simon Go, 7-30 September 2007
China, PingYao, Pingyao International Photography Festival, 2008
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Central Library, Imaging Hong Kong -  Contemporary Photography Exhibition, 4-20 January, 2009

Hong Kong Old Shops, Hong Kong, Hulu, pp. 20-22, 54-55, illustrated in colour

framed, generally in good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Note: The proceeds of this lot will be donated to the non-profit organization HuluCulture - an institution dedicated to promoting Hong Kong local culture and carrying out related research.

Renowned Hong Kong photographer Simon Go insists on taking his lens to the underbelly of the city.  In the spirit and manner of a documentarian, he captures the plebeian life and the local quotidian.  What is swiftly vanishing against the insurgence of relentless urbanization and modernizing forces, Simon Go endeavours to record with a tremendous sense of social mission.  Defying canonical Western theories of photography that mandate a necessary detachment between the photographer and his/her subject, Go reaches out to his subjects and relishes in the congenial communication that eventually leads to a tacit rapport.  Such a display of compassion finds its way into the sceneries framed within his photographs.  Hong Kong Old Shops: Wing Wo Grocery & Keng Ming Mirror Shop (Lot 604) is a diorama of two old shop owners against the backdrop of their stores.  Formerly something of a historical installment in Central, Wing Wo Grocery has been overwhelmed by urban restructuring and has closed shop.  Wing Wo is a Chinese acronym that expresses an earnest wish for eternal harmony.  Mirror Shop Keng Ming on Shanghai Street, then, traces its roots back to the 20th century and has seen the elapsing of four generations of Chan's.  Selling frames, mirrors and glass, the store stands strong despite the powerful evolution of a capitalist economy and survives to see the day when the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has acquired its merchandise into its permanent collection.