Born and raised in Hong Kong, Vincent Yu has worked as a photojournalist covering major news events across the Asia-Pacific region since 1985. 

As a close observer of Hong Kong’s rapid development, Yu has acquired a special sensitivity towards its ever-changing cityscape. In particular, he is interested in documenting disappearing heritage and architecture, as well as communities affected by these changes. 

His works have been recognised by many honours, including the 2004 National Headliner Awards, 2010 World Press Photo Awards’ 3rd Prize in the ‘People in the News’ category, 2013 Award of Excellence for ‘Photographer of the Year’ in the Picture of the Year Awards, and numerous Hong Kong Press Photographers Association Annual Awards. His works are collected by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

“21 Days”

‘Home’ can have different definitions across various times and spaces. For me, in 2021, Hong Kong represented two distinct concepts: Hong Kong itself and the hotel…During the pandemic, there was a three-week quarantine policy for those returning from abroad, and my youngest daughter, Clio, came back to Hong Kong for her holiday during this time.

After checking into this hotel in Hong Kong, my daughter and I embarked on a rare and magical journey together. These three weeks became some of the longest moments I’ve spent alone with her. As a photojournalist, I am acutely aware of the significance of time and opportunity. I recogniszed that these three weeks were among the most important moments of our lives, and I decided to document them with my camera.

01 Clio placing a ‘Hi!’ sign on the hotel window to show her family and friends her room.

02 Clio transforming the hotel’s complimentary afternoon tea packaging into a paper tube resembling a trumpet.

03 Clio resting on the bed.

04 The machines that appeared outside the hotel room door for pandemic checks.