The Miao ethnic group in Guizhou province in China performing an ethnic dance.| Photo by Jonathan Lau.
A group of photographers, known simply as the Group of Five, will be exhibiting their photos at the Yaletown Roundhouse (Oct. 20–29). The “Melody of Light and Colour” exhibition explores the interplay of light in photography. All originally from Hong Kong, the group is comprised of older adults and members: Jonathan Lau, Ben Chan, Yui Hung Cheng, William Zhou and John Leung.
“Our main purpose is to share photography with the community. And we want the general public to appreciate the kinds of things we do,” says Jonathan Lau, in his 80s and leader of the Group of Five.
Socializing with community focus
The Group of Five started in 2006 when they went on a trip together to Yellow Mountain in Anhui, China. Lau says the trip was sponsored through the Chinese Photographer’s Association and that was how they all met. They decided to band together and branch out to put on exhibitions.
Lau, who immigrated to Vancouver in 1968 after studying here, says they decided to have their first exhibition at the Central Library in 2009. From then on they held an exhibition every two years with various themes such as “Old Towns and Villages” and “East Meets West.”
“Light is always changing and people are the most difficult to capture since they are more dynamic,” says Lau. “When you have different lighting, you have different colours.”
Although most of his photographs focus on landscapes and scenic views, Lau also enjoys taking candid photos of people in action such as the daily lives of people in China. However, he explains it is difficult to display portraits of people from his travels since he would need their permission.
Lau, who worked as a social worker before his retirement, says he took up photography as a hobby in 1991 since he enjoyed travelling and capturing special moments from his trips. Lau’s enthusiasm for both travel and photography has allowed him to capture images from China (where he’s been many times), other parts of Asia and Europe.
He says the group does not meet frequently. It can be as often as four times a year to as little as once a year that they gather to discuss photography over coffee. Despite not meeting often, the group will occasionally travel together around B.C. and even make an annual trip to Clearwater Lake.
“When we feel like it, we will organize trips to take pictures together,” says Lau.
Members of the Group of Five from left to right: Ben Chan, Jonathan Lau, Yui Hung Cheng, John Leung and William Zhou.| Photo by Mr. Feng.
Oasis of creativity: exhibiting at the Roundhouse
Marie Lopes, arts programmer at the Yaletown Roundhouse, says the Roundhouse has a long history of exhibiting community artwork from all ages and in all art forms.
“It’s nice to have the work of older adults at the Roundhouse,” says Lopes.
Lopes says the photos will be displayed in their 7,800 square foot exhibit hall with moveable walls, allowing people to weave in and out between the walls to enjoy the photos. Some photos of the same scene will be displayed side by side for comparison.
According to Lau, a self-taught photographer, each photographer contributes ten photographs to the exhibition for a total of fifty photographs; and humbly consider their photographs to be of amateur quality.
For more information on the Melody of Light and Colour exhibition, please visit www.roundhouse.ca.
