ReclaimCQ

ReclaimCQ is a photo-essay celebrating the spirit of people taking back their public space. This project is a tribute to the unformed and undeveloped parts of the city, areas that have not yet been consumed by the relentless pace of urbanization. These spaces offer a welcome reprieve from the bustling city life, providing pockets of tranquility where people can find solace.

In a city as dense as Chongqing, the need for open space is paramount. These open areas become sanctuaries for residents, spaces where they can simply exist, rest, gather, or take a breather from the incessant hum of the metropolis. With its extensive and spacious riverbanks, Chongqing has an abundance of such spaces that remain untouched by development due to the natural ebb and flow of tides.

These riverbanks and other similar areas become communal grounds where people come together. They form a vital part of the city's social fabric, providing a setting for everyday interactions and community bonding. This aspect of Chongqing is what makes it so intriguing for a photographer. The juxtaposition of the sprawling urban landscape and the human presence within these unformed spaces creates a scene that is often surreal and thought-provoking.

ReclaimCQ is a deliberate search for these unique spaces, an exploration driven by a desire to capture the essence of humanity within the urban environment. The project takes an observational point of view, documenting people as they navigate and inhabit these areas. Through this lens, we see the interplay between the city and its inhabitants, highlighting moments of respite and connection amidst the concrete and steel.

The photographs in this series serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. They showcase how people carve out pockets of peace and community in even the most densely populated and rapidly developing cities. As you journey through this photo-essay, you will witness the vibrant life that thrives in these unformed spaces, where the city's frenetic energy gives way to moments of calm and contemplation.

ReclaimCQ invites you to look beyond the obvious and delve into the hidden corners of the city, where the true essence of urban life unfolds. It is a celebration of the human capacity to find and create spaces of belonging, even in the midst of an ever-expanding urban jungle.