Like all migrants arriving in Shenzhen, I lived in one of these urban villages. I wanted to recreate its atmosphere through my photos. A maze of little sketches where one gets lost very easily, and where the boundary between private life and public life is blurred or even non-existent. The lack of light and the narrowness of the walls may be oppressive, but they hide a vibrant and colorful community.

Deprived of their land, farmers have turned to renting to support themselves. Indeed, many migrants arriving to find work needed affordable housing. Initially, what was only a rented room gradually became, over the years, a building of 6 to 8 floors that could accommodate several tenants.

While keeping the layout of the original villages, these extremely grouped buildings have formed a labyrinth of small alleys plunged into darkness. During this time Shenzhen continued to expand, the villages providing, thanks to its cheap rents, the manpower necessary for its development.

But soon because of their unsanitary living conditions, a large part of these villages will be destroyed. The relocation of populations already started. As soon as the buildings are emptied of all their individuals, they are closed and yellow posters appear on every entrance (and on every surface it’s possible to stick them on). They say: “The building is already empty, do not get in without permission.” The streets that were before full of life now become deserted, except for construction workers or cleaning agents.

A clean slate for these cities that needs to look modern without taking in consideration their own history. Despite the fact that these areas are indeed aging, this series was made to remember that they have organically created a warm living ecosystem, where everyone knows everyone, establishing a balance between city and countryside activities… In short, to simply testify how life was inside these urban villages before they completely disappear.