Photographer Documents More Than 2,500 Brightly Colored Basketball Courts Throughout Hong Kong
**Austin Bell’s *Shooting Hoops*: A Visual Journey Through Hong Kong Basketball Courts**
Austin Bell, an intrepid photographer with a knack for discovering the unnoticed, invites the world on a fascinating exploration of one of Hong Kong’s lesser-highlighted treasures: its basketball courts. With an impressive total of 2,549 courts to document, Bell’s new initiative, aptly named *Shooting Hoops*, exemplifies remarkable dedication, meticulous planning, and artistry. His work not only showcases the aesthetic charm of these courts but also provides thoughtful commentary on urban living and the cultural landscape of Hong Kong.
Launched simultaneously as a solo exhibition at the Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong and a 356-page self-published photo book, *Shooting Hoops* is transforming perceptions of basketball courts. No longer seen merely as functional spaces for sports, they are now visual playgrounds that embody the density, diversity, and vibrancy of one of the world’s most renowned cities.
—
### The Birth of an Ambitious Initiative
Austin Bell’s journey began unexpectedly during his first visit to Hong Kong. While exploring the city, he stumbled upon basketball courts in surprising locations—situated atop car parks, nestled within residential complexes, or concealed behind school barriers. This recurring theme piqued his interest.
“I came across basketball courts while initially wandering through Hong Kong. They captivated me so much that on my next visit, I set out with the intention of exclusively searching for them,” Bell notes. What began as mere observation quickly evolved into an extensive mission: capturing photographs of every basketball court in Hong Kong. This undertaking promised not just artistic fulfillment but also a profound exploration of Hong Kong’s urban core.
—
### A Monumental Task: Finding and Capturing 2,549 Courts
Cataloging every basketball court in a city as vast and tightly packed as Hong Kong was an enormous challenge. Bell entered a thorough research phase, utilizing Google Maps’ satellite view to identify courts from above. He augmented this with field exploration and inquiries, visiting schools, housing estates, and various locales where courts might be hidden.
The photography journey spanned 140 full shooting days over several trips to Hong Kong. Public transport, known for its legendary efficiency, became Bell’s essential companion as he navigated the city, camera at the ready. Changing weather conditions continuously tested his resolve, necessitating careful planning to achieve the ideal lighting that would highlight the courts’ vibrancy. To maintain organization, Bell meticulously labeled each court and cataloged the expanding collection of photographs.
—
### Hong Kong Through the Lens of Basketball Courts
One of the most remarkable elements of Bell’s work is how it unveils the multifaceted character of Hong Kong. The basketball courts serve as portals into the city’s varied topography, from the towering skylines of Hong Kong Island to the gritty and nostalgic streets of Kowloon and the expansive modern developments in the New Territories.
The courts are remarkably diverse. Some are found beneath overpasses, providing havens for recreation in unexpected areas. Others are positioned on mountain slopes offering breathtaking vistas, while a few are squeezed tightly between industrial structures. Colors and designs play a vital role, with numerous courts featuring lively, artistic motifs that convert basic playing areas into masterpieces.
“Courts adjacent to the sea and courts atop mountains… The remarkable geography of Hong Kong is unmatched,” Bell observes, emphasizing the city’s distinctive geographic and architectural qualities.
—
### *Shooting Hoops*: From Exhibition to Book
The culmination of Bell’s explorations can now be experienced in two formats: the *Shooting Hoops* exhibition at the Blue Lotus Gallery and his self-published book of the same title. The exhibition, open from January 17 to February 23, 2025, presents a carefully selected array of images that highlight both artistic significance and geographical variety.
From aerial images that capture the contrast of courts against Hong Kong’s urban density to ground-level shots emphasizing the basket and surface design, the exhibition provides visitors with a newfound appreciation for these ubiquitous locations. Bell’s meticulous attention to detail brings the beauty of the courts and their surrounding urban environment to life.
For those who cannot attend the exhibition, the book is a treasure trove of over 1,000 color images spread across 356 pages. Available through Bell’s website and the Blue Lotus Gallery’s online shop, *Shooting Hoops* provides a more comprehensive and intimate perspective of the project, ideal for fans of photography, urban design, or basketball culture.
—
### The Cultural Importance of Basketball Courts in Hong Kong
Beyond mere visual representation, Bell’s work highlights the cultural importance of these courts. In a city known for its density, basketball courts function as essential communal areas. They offer residents a chance to temporarily escape the frenetic pace of urban life, forge connections with one another, or simply savor a moment of leisure. Bell’s successful endeavor to capture every facet of this vibrant