🌊 Photo stories of Grimy Glories
🌊 Photo stories of Grimy Glories
LoTW: Preston Hartwick reminisces on Cheung Chau's infamous Bela Vistas in his titular new book
Hey High Tide Readers!
Preston Hartwick here. A massive thank you to High Tide for featuring me and my newly released photo book, Bela Vista!
You can find more of my work at @hong_kong_aesthetic, my ongoing project documenting colors and textures of Hong Kong.
~ Preston
Six years of Cheung Chau life
"Bela Vista" represents over 6 years of life by the sea, and the never ending wave of scenes that played out on the beach below my window.
Bela Vista has its own infamous reputation in Hong Kong. If you know, then you know.
For me, it was a place of constant inspiration and respite from the hectic pace of life in “town” (as people from Cheung Chau like to call the rest of HK). I never intended to make a book when I started living there. I was just fascinated by all of the ways that the environment changed over the days and seasons. Eventually I had hundreds of photos and everything just sort of came together.
I think that everyone who has lived there reserves a special place in their heart for Bela Vista Villa, in all its grimy glory.
Cloth hardcover, gold stamped, offset print. 140 pages. Shot on 35mm film between 2017 and 2021.
Please reach me via Instagram if you'd like a copy, or visit the Island Portal Festival on Cheung Chau this weekend (August 28-29) to pick one up in person.
Bella recommendations:
Cheung Chau Wave is a volunteer led community art organization on Cheung Chau Island. Over the years, several amazing events have been put together to promote local artists.
Common Farms is a local indoor urban farm that I co-founded a few years back. They produce specialty produce like microgreens and edible flowers for restaurants around HK.
One of my favorite HK architectural photography accounts run by my friend Hans. He never fails to discover the most interesting HK urban environments.
Attend: Portal Festival
The last weekend of the not-so-secret Island Portal Festival is happening on Cheung Chau this weekend (August 28-29, 12-6pm). Tons of great artists on display, make sure to check it out! My book will be there too!
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