Douglas Edward Caplan | Hong Kong Brutal Compressions |
Japanese Vending Machines
This project explores the brutal compressions of Hong Kong architecture from a street-level point of view. Hong Kong is one of the most population-dense cities in the world. The average apartment size is about 450 square feet, but most live in apartments less than 200 square feet. The real feel for the living compression that most Hong Kongers exist in can only be seen and experienced from the ground where the architecture surrounds you.
Born in Montreal, I am an artist who is currently based in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. My passion for photography started in 1993 with a Nikon 35mm camera.
I have spent many years in the darkroom and transitioned to the digital darkroom ten years ago. My work focuses on architecture and urban environments and has been featured in numerous magazines and publications (online & in print) including Art Reveal Magazine, Camera Canada, Silvershotz, Dodho Magazine, Practical Photography, ND Magazine, PhotoED Magazine, POSI+TIVE Magazine, Noice Magazine, F-Stop Magazine & The Modern Day Explorer.
Japanese Vending Machines
This project explores the colorful world of Japanese vending machines. Japan has 5.52 million vending machines spread across the country. With a population of 127 million people, that’s about 23 people for each vending machine. Each year 6.95 trillion yen (US$65 billion) is spent on vending machine purchases in Japan. Japan is a culture like no other. Traditions are honored, and conformity is expected. But while cultural shifts are changing the attitudes of younger generations, in particular, Japanese vending machines continue to thrive and serve as emblematic reminders of the conformity and the convenience that is central to Japanese culture. There is virtually nowhere in Japan that can offer an escape from vending machines. They simply exist. They are efficient and reliable. They are colorful and inviting.
I find them elegant.
