Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze has sent me his latest photographic series, titled Wild Concrete. It shows a singular Hong Kong phenomenon: trees and plants that grow out of bare concrete walls all around the city. It’s shocking to see how stubborn nature is.
In his own words:
Usually wherever human beings are thriving, they always try to keep in control their direct environment. But in this bustling city, trees can grow impressively on residential buildings. They are the proof that our control is not ever-lasting and they show us how this very loss of control can bring true beauty.
Wild Concrete is about nature taking back, it is a demonstration of the tenacity of life in our urban environment.
Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze is a French photographer and visual artist. Born in 1987, he grew up in Paris suburbs until he moved abroad in 2008. Originally dedicated to drawing and digital art, his interest in photography started to prevail after his arrival in Hong Kong.
Living in the heart of Kowloon, he immediately felt bond to this place, unique for its density and for its vibrancy. He then decided to record his new home thoroughly and turned himself into a photographer. Believing that harmony can only result from the confrontation of chaos and order, Hong Kong’s streets are his favourite playground for developing his art.
You can follow Romain’s awesome work in Facebook, DevianArt and his web page.