From 1841 through 1858, China had endured a number of defeats in war at the hands of the British which resulted in cession and leasing of territories which now make up Hong Kong. These territories include Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutter Island and the New Territories.

Hong Kong since this period has risen from a group of small farming and fishing villages to become one of the largest financial and commercial centers of the world. Its population increasing from less than 100,000 in 1861 to the present 6.3 million citizens. In agreements made with Britain, return of these territories were made for July of 1997. It was with mixed anticipation that the world watched the changes in Hong Kong's governance.

The photographs in the exhibit come from two trips which were made to Hong Kong in 1993 while touring Asia. The visits could not begin to show all of what Hong Kong has become but did allow time for me to see and experience some of its culture and people. In viewing this colony, many of the photographs are interpretive of what underlies in some of the uncertainties and fears which changes in governance could bring.

As 1997 nears an end, we have seen the fanfare and formalities in the return of Hong Kong to China but what will the long term effects be to these islands and its people. Some speculate drastic changes while many hope that the interest of the economy, people and its culture may be kept intact for future generations. What images will we see in years to come? One can only speculate. I hope one day to return to experience and document this changing place.

Nancy Chee June, 1995