Steeped in Time: Old Tea Houses Through The Lens of Harry Woo

Curator note
Vicky Ho, Curator

Since its emergence in the early 19th century, photography was initially embraced as a widely used tool to document the world, and to serve other recording needs. However, in the early 20th century, modern art movements ignited a shift that led to photography evolving into a distinct visual art form. Over the course of more than a hundred years, photography has developed into a multitude of styles and genres. It is no longer confined to a mere recording of reality or history; it has become a vital medium for artists to express their thoughts and emotions; for their aesthetic explorations and story telling through the lens of their camera. Photography allows the capture of ephemeral moments in time; transforms them into timeless expressions; portraying the truth, good, and beauty of everyday life. It serves as an art form that combines the skillful use of light, technology and aesthetics to tell stories, convey societal messages, and express personal emotions.

The renowned French documentary photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson once said: “There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever.”

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President Daisaku Ikeda also once remarked, “Photography is an art born of a passionate love of humanity.” These perspectives perfectly capture the charm and significance of photography.

This year, Harmoni Soka Art and Culture proudly presents its inaugural exhibition, “Steeped in Time: Old Tea Houses Through the Lens of Harry Woo.” This exhibition features a black-and-white photography series by internationally acclaimed Malaysian artist Harry Woo Hong Sang. Centred around the old tea houses in Sichuan, the exhibition vividly captures the historical imprints of the old tea houses, their unique atmosphere, and the rich human stories they embody, all through Harry’s lens. This series has earned him the esteemed title of Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS), UK.

The featured works were photographs taken by Harry Woo in 2013 of the old tea houses in the ancient towns of Luozhen, Sichuan, and Pengzhen in Shuangliu District, Chengdu. Sichuan’s old tea houses are not merely places for drinking tea but also cultural hubs where locals gather for daily interactions and forge emotional bonds. They embody the region’s profound cultural heritage and rich traditions. With a keen artistic eye, Harry Woo skillfully employs natural light and refined photography compositions to capture the unique cultural ambience of these tea houses. Winter sunlight gently permeates through narrow skylights and windows, illuminating the old “tiger stoves”, rustic rattan chairs, and wooden tables, as well as the tea drinkers, card players, and smokers. Vintage teapots, elders engaged in quiet conversation, the delicate wisps of curling smoke, and other details in the photos encapsulate a tapestry of moments and reflect the enduring warmth of history. His works not only documented the true essence of the tea houses, but also infused them with profound emotional resonance and rich cultural narratives.

Harry Woo masterfully combines documentary and artistic elements, emphasising both the scenery and the moments filled with personal reflection and emotion. His works achieved a balance between realistic authenticity and emotional warmth. Moving beyond mere documentary expression, they evoke deep emotional resonance and cultural reflection in viewers. Through these black-and-white images, audiences are drawn into a moment in time and a strong sense of human connection, experiencing the detachment of traditional culture from modern urban society, all while stirring a sense of nostalgia.

Harry Woo embarked on his photographic journey in 1980 when an inspiring encounter with artistic photography led him to transition from mere documentation to artistic expression. Since that pivotal moment, photography has become an indispensable part of his life. He once shared, “Photography not only allows me to observe life in greater depth but also serves as a language to express my inner thoughts. Each photograph is a record of my reflections and growth. Without photography, my life would lose its colour and depth. It is both my starting point and my destination.”

Guided by this passion and dedication, Harry’s works transcend time and space, evoking heartfelt reverence for human warmth and connection shared among people.

 “Steeped in Time: Old Tea Houses Through the Lens of Harry Woo” is more than just a visual feast — it is a conversation about cultural memories, human connection, and historical legacy. This exhibition introduces audiences to the tea house culture of Sichuan, China. It also prompts reflection on how these cultural spaces, filled with human warmth and collective memories, can be preserved in the face of urbanisation.

Through the lens of Harry Woo, we experience the unique charm of old tea houses and rediscover the human warmth and connections they embody.

This exhibition aspires to offer audiences cultural nourishment and warm inspiration, encouraging a reimagining of how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously.

Exhibition opening hours: 11 am – 5 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Prior appointment is required for groups of more than 20 people, Please get in touch with us at https://b.link/WhatsApp_SokaPCE