1001 Human Death Wishes Online Exhibition

When colour fades away, truth prevails!

I approach and engage in conversations with people from almost every corner of this planet. Their diversity amazes me and keeps me up for countless nights. This project tries to record 1001 stories from 1001 people with 1001 experiences that I ever have the fortune to come across. If you are interested, feel free to join me on this journey, a journey towards humanity and the only reality that we're all born in.

Walking in the Nights

A Bit About Me

Hai Xiang （中文：海翔）

Singapore resident. Quant Finance and Risk Management professional.

I was born on this planet without any hint of why it should come this way or another, yet I continue to live and appreciate as if everything is the best preparation. But occasionally I feel trapped and bored, so this 1001 Nights project is my window to more possibilities and it enables me to live another person's life while my own becomes more alive.

A Glimpse of How it Works

Collage of vintage portraits — what to expect on a 1001 Nights night walk

What to expect

Diversity may be the best gift bestowed by the Creator, yet it can cause unbelievable confusion when we subject ourselves within it. Be prepared to meet all kinds of people at the nights. They will amaze you in a way or another.

Smartphone night photography used for 1001 Nights portraits

What I use to shoot

Right now I'm holding a Xiaomi 6X on my hand, which is sufficient to take awesome photos in dim lights, especially when I turn on the HDR mode. No sophisticated SLR or canons are needed.

Walking in the Night
Night street scene — safety notes for documentary night walks

Safety Precaution

It happens when I have to tap into unknown waters to get a fresh touch of where those interesting people dwell in. Sometimes it involves a bit of danger. Basic self-defense skills are advised.

Walking in the Night

Media Coverage

The Straits Times
zaobao.sg
Spotify
UFM 100.3
澎湃 The Paper

Before I die — common questions

What is the 1001 Nights project?

1001 Nights is Hai Xiang’s documentary of night portraits and last wishes from 1001 strangers in more than 70 countries. The free online exhibition is Walking in the Nights.

How is this different from Candy Chang’s Before I Die walls?

Before I Die walls collect short chalk wishes in public. Here, Hai Xiang meets one person at a time, makes a night portrait, and publishes a longer, attributed last wish — a photographic counterpart to that global conversation.

How can I share my before I die wish?

Open Join Me in the Nights, send your name, wish, and an optional photo. Stories are edited and added to Walking in the Nights.

What is Walking in the Nights?

It is the exhibition gallery: three pages of night portraits paired with each person’s last wish — peddlers, monks, students, parents, and workers from around the world.

Is When I Die a free end-of-life planner?

Yes. When I Die is a free planner in the Market for care preferences, belongings, and legacy notes. It is guidance, not legal advice, and not a substitute for a will.

Who is Hai Xiang?

Hai Xiang (海翔) is a Singapore-based photographer. The project has been covered by The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, STOMP, UFM 100.3 and The Paper.