Echoing Above: Trees - Romain Jacquet Lagreze's Portfolio

29 Fort Street, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

My fascination with the Chinese banyan (ficus microcarpa) began when I unexpectedly discovered one growing on the facade of a building while exploring a rooftop in Mong Kok. I was puzzled by how firmly it could hold, despite its appearance of being suspended in the air. Since then, I have had the chance to observe many of these trees in various stages of growth, from the tiniest sprouts on water pipes to the tall giants triumphantly overlooking the street. To my great distress, I have witnessed a large number of them being removed, either for renovation purposes or because the buildings that hosted them were being torn down as a consequence of the city’s redevelopment. This spurred a desire in me to photograph them to keep a record of their existence.

I have been searching for these trees, especially in the oldest districts of the city, my eyes constantly scanning the rooftops for a glimpse of green. The reward was always worth the neck strain: the sight of a majestic fig tree, with roots burrowing deep into the concrete, radiating its surroundings with vibrant leaves. Such a view never failed to fill me with awe at the tenacity of this species of ficus, which has adapted to thrive in the most unlikely settings.

In their natural habitat, Chinese banyans are known to grow as epiphytes, growing on top of other trees. This ability to rise above the forest floor allows them to capture more sunlight, reinforcing their growth and allowing them to provide more fruits to their avian companions.

Here in the heart of Hong Kong, they have learned to colonise the urban landscape. The seeds, often brought by birds, find a foothold in the tiniest of crevices and then spread their roots directly on the concrete, sometimes even through it. These explosions of life, contrasting with their stark environment, serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between city life and the natural world.

28 Lok Kwan Street, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

115 To Kwa Wan Road,, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

5 To Kwa Wan Road, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

219 Ki Lung Street, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

9 Yee On Street, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

23 Temple Street, Hong Kong, 2018.
Limited edition print available

85 Fuk Wing Street, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

61 Sa Po Road, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

15 Mercer Street, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

Echoing Above the coffee table book Available here
Chapter I: Trees (23 photos) | Chapter II: Men (27 photos) | Chapter III: Birds (30 photos)
Hardcover, 104 pages, 270mm (H) x 220mm (W)
Published in 2025