Goodbye Kai Tak and Thank You
WHAT
The exhibition of photographs by the Canadian photographer (Girard) and the Hong Kong photojournalist (Chu) is a collection of images showcasing a unique perspective of the history of Hong Kong’s old Kai Tak Airport. As it became one of the busiest airports in Asia, Kai Tak also became known for its challenging approach by pilots, who had to navigate through buildings, hills, and a final sharp turn before landing, due to the location’s dense population and mountains. From below, aviation enthusiasts and photographers appreciated the sight of planes across the city skyline, with the backdrop of tenement buildings.
WHY
Kai Tak lived from 1925 to 1998, leaving behind 73 years of history and fond memories for the people of Hong Kong. As news broke that the airport was to close, photographers tried to capture a piece of history before it was gone forever. Audiences are sure to enjoy the opportunity to relive the sights of Kai Tak in this exhibition; and for those unfamiliar with Kai Tak, they can only imagine what it was like for both pilots and passengers alike to land in Hong Kong!