peter steinhauer documents hong kong's cocoon architecture

peter steinhauer documents hong kong’s cocoon architecture
(above) cocoon and cranes, hong kong 2008
all images © peter steinhauer

singapore-based photographer peter steinhauer documents the architecture within the urban landscape of hong kong from an uncommon perspective — when the monolithic structures are under construction. his series of ‘cocoon’ compositions capture the towering edifices entirely wrapped in a veil of vibrantly colored silk — a typical structural material unique to the metropolis, which contains debris within and prevents it falling onto the street beneath. enveloped in the brightly-hued fabric, the skyscrapers cloaked in the web of textiles transforms the cityscape, seeming more like a massive artistic intervention rather than a construction device. blue, yellow and green fibers act as a cape, draping over every structural feature like a blanket, framing the scene. the series’ namesake references the casing that wraps some insects during a stage of their metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly — an appropriate way to characterize the architectural sites as they undergo their own structural renovations.

blue cocoon #1, hong kong 2008

the artist is currently exhibiting a series of work documenting asian markets in conjunction with art basel hong kong, on view until may 26, 2014 at langham place in mongkok, hong kong.

cherry street cocoon, hong kong 2009

mcdonald’s cocoon, hong kong – 2009

a story told by the artist accompanies the image above: ‘as I was driving on the freeway through a township in the new territories of hong kong, I saw this very large cocoon and found a road to get back to it. up close I noticed that the whole building was newly wrapped with the exception on the mcdonald’s sign that I am sure they paid largely for to be visible to the public!’

green cocoon walls, hong kong 2010