The people of Sham Shui Po

By Rori-TAI Williams

1. “Sleeper No 5: Napping on Bike”
I started a series on people I find in Hong Kong who sleep in public. Midday is considered nap time in many Eastern cultures, however in Hong Kong it is an essential part of the day. I have caught hundreds of people napping on benches, trains, buses and even motorcycles!

2. “Clear Density”
It’s no secret that Hong Kong is a densely-populated area. Aside from the large crowds, signs and towers make up the majority of the objects in my scenery or landscape compositions. They are impossible to avoid within the city. This image was taken just before midday. The street looks empty compared to the usually overcrowded roads and sidewalks indicative of the hustle and bustle associated with Hong Kong life.

3. “Man in the Middle of Construction”
I empathize with the look on this man’s face — calmly taking it all in. I watched and photographed him for a few moments while he stood and observed the organized chaos caused by hundreds of commuters, dozens of construction workers and heavy machinery that crossed the intersection of Fuk Wa Street and Kweilin Street — two congested roads in Sham Shui Po.

4. “Sleeper No 8: Cat Napper”
Ok, ok! I know this cat is not a human being but he (or she) is still a resident of Sham Shui Po and obviously a part of my “Sleeper” series. I walk by this vendor almost every day and this cat is always sleeping in this same place and position — no matter what time of day or night. Last week, after purchasing my usual melon soy milk, I asked the vendor, “Why is this cat always sleeping on the toys?” She yelled something in Cantonese so I asked the English-speaking vendor next door to translate. He said, “She says he lives here!”