Gráinne Quinlan captures Hong Kong's early-morning Tai Chi devotees

Date
8 October 2014

There’s something incredibly beautiful and natural about Gráinne Quinlan’s series White Crane Spread Wings where she captures the elderly community of Hong Kong practising Tai Chi throughout the city.

Every day people stake out a bit of space along pedestrian crossings, on promenades, in underpasses and at officially designated areas called Pleasure Grounds or (less romantically) Adult Exercising Corners. While some of these spaces may not exude serenity, there’s a real sense of calm throughout this project and it’s a great glimpse into a community’s morning ritual.

For Gráinne the focus is on the individuals as opposed to the poses and how the subjects seem entranced by their own movements as though it’s a performance just for themselves. It’s a brilliant observation of the human form as they all look so comfortable and at ease in their jogging bottoms and vests.

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Gráinne Quinlan: White Crane Spread Wings

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Gráinne Quinlan: White Crane Spread Wings

Above

Gráinne Quinlan: White Crane Spread Wings

Above

Gráinne Quinlan: White Crane Spread Wings

Above

Gráinne Quinlan: White Crane Spread Wings

Above

Gráinne Quinlan: White Crane Spread Wings

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About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

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