These photographs are part of a project that I have been carrying out in late 2021 and 2022, which involves placing old photographs of Macau, taken in black and white between the 1940s and 1990s, in the same places today. The original images, many captured by unknown authors, are part of my personal collection of old photographs acquired in auctions and antique houses. I produced an exhibition and published a book that is already in its second edition.
This is a project that is very important because Macau changed a lot in the last 50 years. So, my intention is also to show those changes based on a different narrative, putting old pictures in new places.
Now, I am starting to prepare the second volume of the project, which will be released to the public at the end of 2025. With the second volume edited, the project comes to an end.
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Av. Praia Grande (Old courthouse building)
The Our Lady of Penha Chapel, a church in Penha Hill
Av. Cinco de Outubro along the west coast of Coloane
Coloane village pier. There used to be ferry service between Macau peninsula, Taipa island and Coloane island before they built the bridges and reclaimed land between the two islands. It has not been used as ferry terminal for decades, but it’s still maintained and locals use it for fishing. ETA: Mainland China is just across the river behind the photographer. In the olden days people used to swim for western world freedom when Macau belonged to the Portugese. They still catch swimmer every now and then but now they come for the casinos. China only issues border permit once every year or two to their citizens which is apparently not enough opportunity to lose all your money.
Man selling trinkets and used products on Almirante Sérgio street in the Inner Harbour
Old gas station at the transition from Almirante Sérgio street to Lorchas street in the Inner Harbour area. In the background the Grand Hotel
Macanese police in the middle of Av. Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lou), when few vehicles were still circulating there
Thanks for the lack of context for the photos BP! I really liked going "Oh, that's neat... that's neat... yep, still neat" and not knowing where everything was, or what it had been!
Sorry about that, Bisha. Most of the photos were taken in Macau in 2021 and 2022. I use old Macau photos on the more important or expressive spots to show that juxtaposition is still possible and in other places it is more difficult. In fact, it is bringing the old, the old people, many who are no longer among us, to the present, to the future. The use of black and white in the past and color in the present is intentional.
Load More Replies... Thanks for the lack of context for the photos BP! I really liked going "Oh, that's neat... that's neat... yep, still neat" and not knowing where everything was, or what it had been!
Sorry about that, Bisha. Most of the photos were taken in Macau in 2021 and 2022. I use old Macau photos on the more important or expressive spots to show that juxtaposition is still possible and in other places it is more difficult. In fact, it is bringing the old, the old people, many who are no longer among us, to the present, to the future. The use of black and white in the past and color in the present is intentional.
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