Prayers
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PhotographerJoseph Lai, Taiwan
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Instagram
In the dimly lit interior of a temple, the soft glow of incense sticks stands out against the darkness, the tiny red tips like miniature beacons of contemplation. The air is thick with smoke, swirling upwards, carrying the prayers and questions of the faithful towards the heavens. I envision each glowing tip as a question or a hope, flickering with the uncertainty and earnestness of the loyal disciples. In the background, the green figure represents prayers that have been answered, a symbol of life, growth, and renewal. The red figure, in contrast, signifies the prayers that remain unfulfilled
Joseph Hon Chow Lai explores the interplay of light, motion, and form through street, narrative, and fine art photography. Born in Taiwan and raised in New York, he draws from both Eastern and Western cultural influences, which shape his perspective and artistic voice. His street photography captures fleeting urban moments with depth and contrast, while his fine art images transform movement and texture into expressive visual forms. United by a fascination with shadow and illumination, his work invites new ways of seeing.
Awards 2023 New York Photography Awards - Silver, People Photography, Street.
2023 New York Photography Awards - Silver, Nature Photography, Sunset.
2023 Annual Photography Awards - Honorable Mention, People, Streetlife.
2023 Tokyo International Foto Awards - Honorable Mention
2024 PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris - Honorable Mention.
2024 Annual Photography Awards - Honorable Mention, People, Streetlife.