Wing Shya compiles three decades of personal snapshots and rare behind-the-scenes images from Wong Kar-wai classics in his intimate new Polaroid photobook, available now.
Wing Shya has long defined the visual language of contemporary cinema through his evocative photography, most famously in collaboration with filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. With a style that moves effortlessly between candid intimacy and polished cinematic storytelling, Shya’s images have become synonymous with the subtle emotional depth of films like Happy Together and In the Mood for Love. Now, his artistic vision is captured anew in the photobook Day / Night, a collection of over 100 Polaroids released in partnership with Brighton-based publisher Jane & Jeremy.
Divided neatly into two thematic sections, the book contrasts the natural, unassuming charm of daytime with the shadowy allure of nighttime. In “Day,” the Polaroids feel spontaneous and bright, catching unguarded glimpses of everyday life, while “Night” evokes a moodier, introspective narrative, echoing Shya’s cinematic sensibility. Personal snapshots blend seamlessly with rare behind-the-scenes photographs from Wong’s iconic film sets, highlighting Shya’s talent for dissolving the line between reality and carefully constructed imagery.
Reflecting on this personal archival journey, Shya emphasizes the authenticity at the heart of his Polaroids. Initially a practical method for quick on-set captures, the images gradually evolved into a meaningful diary of fleeting moments. “They might have been candid and lacking intention,” Shya notes, “but compiled by J&J, they became a subconscious visual voice.” Day / Night is now available exclusively through Jane & Jeremy’s website, with each hand-numbered edition limited to 200 copies and accompanied by a signed print.
