Concrete Stories II

With the success of providing a collection of genuine instants from the daily life of Hong Kong's inhabitants in his first volume of Concrete Stories in 2018, Romain has found an oasis within the city- the rooftop area. It remains a secret paradise for HongKongers, more than just a secret garden for people to enjoy the breeze and view in Hong Kong. It is always a vital escape for them in enjoying the special moments with their friends and family, such as the rooftop bars, rooftop restaurants, green roof.

Aside from those colorful lives, when it comes to a closer look at this densest city, rooftop living can be found everywhere. This book can reveal the other secretive side of the rooftop’s life of Hong Kong’s inhabitants and can display the people’s agility, flexibility, and resilience. After reading both volumes, the readers will have a holistic perspective of our city landscape, where it has created endless miracles in the society.

"Whatever is alive, the small moments of joy and grace that can happen in their lives. It could be a totally random moment, like someone fixing his antenna, thats a very daily action, but he does it at a certain place with the right sunset or sunrise light on him. That makes him look much more dignified and that’s what I’m looking for; chasing the spectacular in daily things.”

About the photographer
Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, a French photographer based in Hong Kong since 2009, has been endeavoring in capturing bustling Hong Kong from different angles. He is mesmerized by the unique design of skyscrapers with varied geometrical forms and shapes and engaged in unveiling the secret sides of this concrete jungle.

Five of his photography series were published by Asia One: Vertical Horizon (2012), Wild Concrete (2014), The Blue Moment (2016), Concrete Stories I (2018) and Concrete Stories II (2022).