Photographer Marco Yat Chun Chan is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this documentary photography. From the project ‘Playground’. To see Marco’s body of work, click on any photograph.

2021 marked one of the most intense phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around the world governments implemented degrees of lockdown to curb the virus’s spread. In Hong Kong, some of the strictest measures were enforced residents were required to stay home unless absolutely necessary. During this period of confinement, I began to reflect deeply on the role of public rest areas—especially parks and playgrounds, where I had often sought moments of pause and breath in an otherwise relentlessly fast-paced city.

Driven by this introspection, I began surveying ballgame courts across public parks. I felt both surreal and unsettling: spaces once filled with energy and communal activity now stood eerily empty or sparsely occupied. Some courts had been repurposed into virus screening stations; others became improvised sanctuaries, offering an escape from the emotional and physical constraints of home isolation.

Playground documents this haunting stillness. I aim to capture not just the visual emptiness, but the psychological weight of a paused city. At the same time, the project speaks to the vital role public recreational spaces play in the urban fabric—places that offer not only leisure, but also a sense of community, freedom, and resilience during times of crisis.

Marco Chan is an artist engaged with the nuances of daily life. His work weaves personal experiences, observations, and reflections on subjects, creating dialogue that extends beyond visual appreciation. He invites viewers to engage with his work on a perceptual level, provoking conversations and deeper connections.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Marco’s artistic vision is shaped by the city’s rapid development and dynamic contrasts — where modern skyscrapers stand beside historic temples, east and west cultures fusion in everyday life.

Drawn to local heritage and culture, he explores these themes through a range of photographic formats and printing techniques. His extensive experience in photography and printmaking has deepened his understanding of the relationship between image and material, ensuring that every print resonates with intention.

Specializing in historic and digital photo printmaking, Marco carefully selects printing process, paper, and technique to enhance the image's presentation. He believes that print is one of the most powerful ways to experience artist's expression, transforming an image into a tangible, immersive form.

Currently based in Orford, NH, USA. Marco is open to collaborations. Whether it’s conversation on prints, photography, or creative projects, he welcomes opportunities that inspire and expand artistic possibilities.