C A N N O P Y
Art is True North
In Praise of the Flâneur: Justin Wong
Justin Wong
The prolific street photographer reveals perspectives on Toronto, Tokyo, and time
Words by Michael Zarathus-Cook | Photography by Justin Wong
ISSUE 13 | TORONTO | SPACES
On the dying art of wandering ─ “Walkability” is one of those nebulous metrics through which the quality of life in a city is measured, which stands in inverse relation to the degree to which cars and their attending infrastructure dominate public spaces. There’s more to walkability, however, than just the bricks-and-mortars of city planning─an entire ethos must first be cultivated. This ethos, disseminated through the dynamic apparatus of good ol’ arts and culture, is embodied in the aesthetic of the wanderer. The walkability of Paris, for example, is often cited as the final destination of urban planning, and attributed as the sole counterbalance to their citizenry’s enthusiastic diet. But beneath the endless cobs of cobblestone streets is a centuries-old subscription to the belief that public space isn’t merely a functional sphere for running errands, or a noisy background to our quotidian business; it is, can be, a permanent outdoor gallery. To this end, the 19th-century French poet Charles Baudelaire popularized the term flâneur to describe the wandering observer of urban life.
This Baudelairean wanderer was motivated by a “feverish curiosity” and an earnest belief in the limitlessness of a metropolis. From this romantic vantage, the city is an inexhaustible repository of sights, sounds, smells, triumphs, little feuds and barely perceptible miracles—one just had to pay close enough attention. So, what killed the flâneur? Or, in a broader sense, why is leisurely walking a rare commodity in a city like Toronto? Do we simply need more cobblestones? Yes, please. But the broadest answer to this broad question would be economical: economic mobility remains the biggest barrier to leisure─who has time to walk around after an exhausting 9–5 that’s in reality an 8–6? The loophole here comes by way of those who’ve worked in a fair bit of wandering into their workaday, the few whose job it is to observe urban life through an artistic lens: photographers. If a tree falls in the forest of lives that make up a city, it’s the attentive eyes of the flâneur-photographer that ensure the thud of its impact reverberates beyond the ephemeral moment.
“Moving postcards”, a relatively new fad on social media, are one way to capture the ephemeral energy of urban life, of time and city. One of Toronto’s most recognizable talents in this sphere is Justin Wong (@justinwongjw). Based in Toronto but rooted in Hong Kong, Wong’s work has gathered an international audience for its mission to transform “ordinary moments into cinematic vignettes.” When not wearing one of his many working hats—social media management, content creation, photography, videography, user-generated content partnerships, website design—Wong finds himself wandering the streets of Toronto, Tokyo, and beyond with a camera in hand.
CANNOPY x Justin Wong
On Time
CAN ─ One of the defining features of the Toronto cityscape is the diversity of our seasons. How does each season inspire your curatorial eye?
JKW ─ In spring, the vibrant cherry blossoms bring a sense of renewal and beauty, making it a perfect time for capturing fresh, blooming scenes. Summer’s lush greenery and colourful flowers offer dynamic and lively compositions. Autumn’s fiery maple leaves create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere; while winter’s serene, snowy landscapes add a peaceful and sometimes dramatic contrast. These seasonal changes provide endless inspiration and allow me to tell a unique story through my lens.
CAN ─ You were in Tokyo this spring and the cherry blossoms were a prevalent feature of your photography. How does it feel to walk the streets of that city during a particularly picturesque time of year?
JKW ─ Experiencing Tokyo in the spring, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, is a breathtaking experience. Walking through parks and along streets adorned with cherry trees, there’s a palpable sense of joy and appreciation from both locals and tourists.
CAN ─ What does your typical shoot day look like?
JKW ─ There isn’t a typical shoot day for me. My gear might vary, but I always carry a compact camera for spontaneous shots. My routine starts early, scouting locations and finding the perfect light. I often immerse myself in the environment, waiting for the right moments to unfold. Flexibility and spontaneity are key.
On the City
CAN ─ When you arrive at a city you’ve never been to before, what is your thought process in capturing the “essence” of a city?
JKW ─ When exploring a new city, my focus is on capturing its unique essence by blending architecture and the people. I look for iconic landmarks and cultural elements that tell the city’s story. Observing daily life, I aim to document candid moments that reflect the local spirit. This combination of architectural beauty and human interactions helps convey the true character of the city.
CAN ─ What are your favourite neighbourhoods to walk around in Toronto?
JKW ─ Queen West, Chinatown, and Kensington Market are my favorite. Each offers a distinct vibe, from artistic street art in Queen West to the vibrant cultural scenes in Chinatown and Kensington Market.
CAN ─ How about Tokyo?
JKW ─ Shibuya is my favorite neighborhood in Tokyo. It’s vibrant and photogenic both day and night, offering dynamic street scenes and endless photographic opportunities.
CAN ─ In what ways is a city similar to a gallery space?
JKW ─ A city, much like a gallery, is a curated collection of experiences and stories. Each neighborhood serves as a distinct exhibit, showcasing its own culture, history, and vibe. As you navigate through the streets, you’re essentially walking through an ever-changing gallery where the art is alive and evolving. The architecture, street art, and daily interactions create a dynamic and immersive experience, constantly offering new perspectives.
CAN ─ How do people in Toronto, compared to people in Tokyo, tend to react when they're being photographed?
JKW ─ People in Tokyo are generally more accustomed to tourists taking photos and are often more accommodating. In contrast, Torontonians tend to be more protective of their privacy, sometimes expressing concern when being photographed.
On the Craft
CAN ─ What camera do you use?
JKW ─ I use the Fujifilm X100V as my daily camera. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various models, but this one’s compact size, versatility, and superb image quality make it perfect for capturing spontaneous moments.
CAN ─ What do you tend to listen to when you're walking around?
JKW ─ I love listening to pop music and Cantopop.