HKFP Lens: Roman Olinchuk’s cinematic portraits of Hong Kong

2 weeks ago 12

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Ukrainian-born Hong Kong photographer Roman Olinchuk specialises in transforming ordinary locations into cinematic portraits.

Olinchuk told HKFP that his inspiration is constantly changing, as he scouts out hidden gems across the territory: “My work has definitely been shaped by cinema, the work of other photographers and artists, and video games with insane visual styles. Inspiration can come at any time, in any form.”

“It might come from visiting a location, a quote from a movie, trauma, feelings of connection, personal struggles, or even the colour of a pomegranate. It all depends on whether my creative antenna is tuned to receive and interpret whatever is there into a concept,” he added.

He said he was constantly on the lookout for new locations: “It feels a bit like finding treasure, maybe a quiet, unremarkable neighbourhood has a rusty playground, or a parking lot with a view of Lion Rock. You never know.”

As for the threat of AI when it comes to the art world, Olinchuk said he had a love-hate relationship with the technology: “I do use it for minimal editing, like removing certain objects or expanding a photo if needed. But for me, it’s important to create things organically. I will climb that mountain, I will pour black slimy liquid over my face, I will gather everyone I can to make an idea REAL. Because the point is in the process of creation.”