HONG KONG—Tai Kwun, Hong Kong’s renowned heritage and arts complex, is hosting a significant new photography exhibition titled “Book of Changes: The Art of Basil Pao.” Running now through February 20, 2026, the installation merges contemporary fine art photography with one of China’s most foundational philosophical texts, the I Ching. The exhibition offers visitors an abstract, visual exploration of the scripture’s enduring influence on Chinese culture and life, showcasing the work of photographer Basil Pao.
Pao Translates Ancient Philosophy into Visual Art
The exhibit centers on the I Ching, or the Book of Changes, a classical Chinese divination and philosophy text dating back to the Western Zhou period. Considered one of the Five Classics of Chinese literature, the text outlines 64 distinct hexagram formations, which traditionally serve as a framework for moral guidance and understanding cosmic patterns.
Basil Pao, internationally recognized for his photographic contributions to Michael Palin’s BBC travel documentaries—often resulting in large-format books—began his career as an art director and designer for the music industry. In “Book of Changes,” Pao reinterprets the complex tenets of the I Ching through two distinct photographic series: The Great Walls of China and Glimpses of Silence.
In The Great Walls of China series, Pao draws inspiration from Abstract Expressionism. The photographs are curated and presented to correspond directly with the 64 hexagrams detailed in the I Ching, creating a visual dialogue between contemporary form and ancient structure. The stark, abstract imagery reflects the text’s focus on binary forces and perpetual transformation.
Conversely, the Glimpses of Silence series shifts focus toward the natural world. This collection features expansive landscape photography that emphasizes the overwhelming power of nature. These images invite deep contemplation on humankind’s position within the vastness of the universe, aligning with the Taoist and cosmological perspectives embedded in the Book of Changes.
Engaging with the Prophetic Text
Beyond the still images, the exhibition incorporates experiential elements designed to bridge the historical text with visitor interaction. An on-site interactive installation, “Consulting the Book of Changes,” allows attendees to engage directly with the divinatory properties of the I Ching. Participants are encouraged to seek guidance or a peek into their potential futures through this hands-on setup.
Furthermore, visitors can acquire an exclusive keepsake postcard featuring artwork from Pao’s The Great Walls of China series. Recognizing the venue’s role in the community, Tai Kwun extends a special mailing service for TK Fan members: members can write a message on their postcard and utilize the service to send it to any local address, merging the exhibition experience with personal connection.
Tai Kwun’s presentation of Basil Pao’s work offers a valuable opportunity to appreciate a cornerstone of Chinese literary heritage through a modern artistic lens. By synthesizing meticulous photography with philosophical depth, the exhibition succeeds in making an ancient and complex subject accessible and profoundly moving for a contemporary audience. For those interested in heritage, art, or cross-cultural interpretation, the exhibit is a mandatory stop in their itinerary.