photo poster project | Monochrome that anchors memory. Restarting with a creative tribe in London by Mjay Lai | ISSUE #242

cizucu hosts the photo poster project in cities around the world.
By simply choosing a city and date, creators can join a physical photo poster exhibition—and meet fellow creatives in real life.

In this issue, we spoke with Mjay Lai, who participated in the photo poster project, about what it means to share a monochrome photograph as a vessel for memory, what changed through face-to-face connection, and why the day felt like a creative restart.

I’m Mjay Lai, a Hong Kong-born photographer now based in London. My journey began at sixteen, capturing the quiet nuances of daily life—a passion that evolved into a professional career by age twenty-one. Having worked extensively in fashion, portrait, and commercial photography across both Hong Kong and the UK, I’ve developed a style rooted in the intersection of fine art, philosophy, and design.

I specialize in timeless black-and-white visuals, using the lens as my primary language to translate complex inspirations into tangible imagery. For me, photography is more than a medium; it’s an exploration of how a single visual can anchor the soul, spirit, and memory of its creator. I strive to create work that doesn’t just document a moment, but shifts the viewer’s mindset by capturing the unseen essence of our shared reality.

I was honored when cizucu invited me to participate in this PPP exhibition. While I have exhibited my work previously in Hong Kong, this is my first showcase in a London photo-based exhibition since relocating to the UK.

My primary motivation for joining was the opportunity to engage with a local audience and forge genuine connections within the London creative circuit. As an artist, I find curiosity and immense motivation in community. For me, this exhibition is about more than just displaying work—it’s about starting a cross-cultural dialogue and finding fresh inspiration through new perspectives.

Joining this event has been truly transformative. After years of working in the high-pressure fashion and commercial world, I had begun to feel a sense of burnout. Participating in this exhibition felt like a vital “Restart” for my creative spirit. It shifted the focus back to what matters—the pure joy of sharing a vision and making genuine connections.
The support from the organizers and staff was exceptional. From seamless communication to thoughtful follow-up, I felt valued throughout the entire process.

A particular highlight was the Artist Talk. For most of the time, creators are constantly hidden behind screens—so having the opportunity to explain the philosophy behind my work in person was incredibly powerful. I felt seen and heard by a community that is genuinely supportive.

Interacting with the local photography scene reminded me that art is a collective journey. This exhibition wasn’t just about displaying my print; it was about finding a supportive tribe in London.

Reflecting on the theme of “Memory,” I selected this black-and-white film photograph captured at Old Harry Rocks. This journey to the South Coast of England was deeply profound for me, and I was drawn to how silver halide film translates a fleeting moment into a permanent, tactile record.

I’m captivated by the abstract dialogue between the towering white cliffs and the rhythmic motion of the ocean waves. Through monochrome, the landscape is stripped of its literal colors, allowing textures and details to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Even now, I can still feel the atmosphere of that day—this image serves as a vessel for that memory, capturing not just a location, but the spirit of the time spent there.

To anyone considering joining this exhibition, my advice is simple: go for it. As photographers and artists, we often spend so much time behind a screen or working in isolation—but there’s a unique power in stepping out and embracing your passion in a public space. Taking that leap is how we grow.

This experience taught me that when you share your vision with others, you don’t just find an audience—you find a community that supports and sustains you. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Take the chance, share your soul, and let your work be seen.