Description:Photographs by Terry Lo, produced for the exhibition 'From Cathay to Pershore Street', portraying the everday life of the Chinese community in Birmingham.
Terry Lo was born in Hong Kong on May 23rd 1958. From 1982 to 1984 Terry studied 2-Dimensional Design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Between 1986 and 1988 he attended the Hong Kong Technical Teachers College, gaining an In-Service Certificate of Education. Terry came to the UK in October 1991 to study at the University of Wolverhampton, where he graduated with a BA Hons in Visual Communication - Photography. Throughout this time Terry worked in a number of jobs including: Finishing Artist in the Graphic Section of Mass Transit Railway Co. Hong Kong, and as a Technician at the Centre for Education Development, Hong Kong. Terry has also been a part time lecturer in Commercial Art and Photography, as well as teaching ‘A’ Level Art and Design at Maria College, Hong Kong.
Since 1994 Terry has been working as a freelance photographer. Terry Lo has received various awards for both his photography as well as his graphic design. These include; First Prize for Poster Design for the Hong Kong Salvation Army, a Photo-journalism Award from West Midlands Arts, and the Exhibition Award of Hereford Photographic Festival from Hereford City Council.
Terry has been involved in numerous group exhibitions as well as his own solo exhibitions, such as ‘My Europe Tour’ at the Lighthouse, Wolverhampton and ‘The Chinese in Birmingham’ at the Midlands Art Centre. Terry’s work has been published in the British Journal of Photography, The Birmingham Post, The Birmingham Voice and the Siyu Chinese Times. He now lives in Hong Kong.
“The Chinese have hitherto figured very little in discussions concerning race relations and ethnic minorities in Britain. The stereotype about the Chinese is that they are working no other than within catering, therefore not sufficiently attempting to broaden aspirations and knowledge beyond it.
They have an impressive capacity for self-help, which is one reason why their difficulties have gone unvoiced and unrecognised. The purpose of this study is to examine every aspect of Chinese in Birmingham. It introduces the culture of Chinese and highlights the problems faced by them.” Terry Lo, May 1993.