What Stories Exist Within A Single Moment Frozen In Time?
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Step into the streets of Vancouver’s Chinatown through the lens of Fred Herzog. Vitality brings together a striking selection of Herzog’s photographs, capturing daily life in Chinatown, Strathcona, and along historic Hastings St. from the 1950s to 1970s. Known for his masterful use of Kodachrome colour, Herzog documented the heyday of a neighbourhood in transformation —family-run shops, vibrant street scenes, and quiet moments of resilience and joy.
Each photograph is paired with personal and historical narratives uncovered by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, adding new layers of meaning to Herzog’s iconic images. Scan QR codes throughout the exhibition to hear firsthand reflections that bring these moments to life.
Blending photography with storytelling, Vitality uncovers the hidden stories behind Herzog’s iconic images, offering a richer, more nuanced view of these historic neighbourhoods. By capturing the vitality, creativity, and resilience of the community during its heyday, this exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of what these neighbourhoods once were—and what they can become again.
Curatorial Team: Carol Lee, Susanna Ng, and Ramona Mar
ABOUT THE BOOK
Vitality, the companion publication to the exhibition, is a striking, full-colour book featuring Fred Herzog’s iconic photographs of Chinatown and its surrounding neighbourhoods from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Each image is paired with a story gathered through interviews, along with archival photos and historical insights uncovered by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Many of these photos were generously shared by interviewees—some never seen outside their families until now.
With hope at its core, Vitality celebrates the resilience and evolution of Chinatown’s communities, businesses, and cultural landmarks.
Vitality is authored by Carol Lee, Susanna Ng and Ramona Mar, with forewords by Douglas Coupland and Paul Yee.
