HKFP Lens: Photographer Kasper Forest captures marginalised communities in a changing city

2026-02-07 - 03:08

Conflict Hong Kong is a decade-long project by photographer Kasper Forest capturing the city’s dramatic transformations with a focus on marginalised groups. “I decided to take control over my life. I decided to call myself an artist, a creative, if you will.” – Nicole Nery. Photo: Kasper Forest. “Over ten years, Kasper has engaged deeply with issues of identity, photographing people from grassroots backgrounds, the homeless, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ groups, and cultural minorities,” according to a press release. “In being lost, I found back what matters most: an unconditional lust for life.” – Kamil Arkantyne. Photo: Kasper Forest. Through his work, Forest aims to make marginalised communities visible and celebrate our differences as a “precious form of existence.” “I really love this place—their tolerance is so great, and they are very polite whenever we ask them anything.” – Dewi Sartika. Photo: Kasper Forest. His exhibition, “Human Conflicts – A Decade of Recording the Invisible,” will be displayed in Tokyo’s Victoria 1842 Cafe & Bookstore from February 13 to March 1. “I almost lost my life, and my life is way more valuable than how I look in the mirror, what the scale says and what people think about me.” – Kathleen Millamena. Photo: Kasper Forest. “Stop giving a fuck what people think, talk to each other, connect, and make art.” – Nurse. Photo: Kasper Forest. “Through personal experiences, I’ve come to understand the complex interplay of hardship and unwavering pride woven into our struggles that many face within this enchanting city.” – Hafsa Khan. Photo: Kasper Forest. “Conflict brings me thoughts and inspirations, like a flame, igniting my life.” – Pink Young. Photo: Kasper Forest. “It’s not a question of whether Hong Kong accepts me or not; it’s whether I accept myself.” – Riyah Mahbubani. Photo: Kasper Forest. “Even though both of my parents are from two different countries, I was born and raised here in Hong Kong, which makes this land my home, and no matter where I go around the world, I’ll always remember that Hong Kong is my root.” – Alexander. Photo: Kasper Forest. “Hong Kong is my home. And it might be time to find a new home.” – Wesley Jamison. Photo: Kasper Forest.