The Clock-Tower, Hong-Kong c. 1868

This photograph of Hong Kong's clock-tower, captured by John Thomson, presents a potent symbol of colonial modernity. The clock tower, centrally positioned, speaks of imposed order and the march of time, a concept deeply rooted in European cultural and industrial expansion. Consider this symbol in light of others: obelisks in ancient Egypt, church spires in medieval Europe. Each structure, in its own time, represents a culture's aspirations. Here, the clock tower stands as a marker of Western influence, a silent assertion of control over the rhythms of daily life. Yet, it is also a poignant reminder of time's relentless progression and the transient nature of empires, echoing the psychological unease that accompanies change. The clock tower, in its imposing presence, subtly alters the cultural landscape of Hong Kong. In its cyclical nature, this symbol resurfaces time and again.