Italy Through the Lens
- | West and East Galleries
Open daily from Tuesday 5 August - Sunday 10 August, 10am - 5pm
Free Admission, no booking required
Italy Through the Lens by Yu Lap Tang
In the 13th century, the Italian traveller and merchant Marco Polo authored ‘The Travels of Marco Polo’, providing a detailed account of his travels in the Mediterranean, Eurasia and China. This seminal work marked the first comprehensive European documentation of Chinese history, culture and art. Marco Polo's travels sparked significant interest in the East among Europeans, and many years later, curiosity about Europe has been cultivated among the Chinese population. As one of Europe's cradles of ancient civilizations, Italy is home to numerous world cultural heritages.
In light of this historical and cultural background, Yu Lap Tang was determined to deeply explore Italy during his time in Europe across 2020 and 2021. At over 70 years old, he observed the country from the perspective of a 'youthful senior' and used his camera to capture extraordinary moments during his time in Italy.
Through the lens, we are transported to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and home to the legendary Medici family; we are enveloped in the beauty of all four seasons in Dolomites, often referred to as 'the garden left by God in the Alps'; and we are entranced by Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake while embracing its artistic charm just as described in an ancient Chinese poem ‘letting the small boat drift over boundless expanse of water’. Whether it be natural landscapes or architectural marvels, it is our hope that through his work everyone will rediscover Italy as 'the cradle of European civilization'.
Through the lens, we are transported...
Yu Lap Tang
Yu Lap Tang is an entrepreneur, financier, collector, traveller, author, and photographer. He is the founder of the Hantec Group, a multinational company which provides professional financial services to the world market.
Yu Lap Tang's achievements are not only in the financial industry, but also in his pursuit of cultural creativity. He has been interviewed publicly on many occasions as a collector and cultural figure, exhibiting rare collectibles. Yu Lap Tang has visited 151 countries, published 20 books and held over 30 photographic exhibitions worldwide.