EXHIBITION:
April 28 – June 24, 2007,
Main Library, Jewett Gallery and Chinese Center
A must-see for anyone interested in understanding contemporary Asian society, the exhibition Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change, on view
April 28–June 24 at the Main Library’s Jewett Gallery and Chinese Center, zooms in on the essence of the most populous nation on earth. With 57 compelling black-and-white
and color images by seven Chinese photographers, the exhibition provides an unrestricted window into the lives of people learning to cope with social, political, and economic change.
Modernization in China has occurred in a relative instant — until the 1970s, three quarters of China’s population lived in rural areas. “The single most significant event
in the contemporary transformation of Chinese society (is the) peasants’ departure from their land and their integration into city life,” says exhibition curator Gu Zheng of
Fudan University in Shanghai, about the more than 90 million laborers who have moved from fields to factories and urban centers, facing crowded conditions, inadequate food
and shelter, and serious mistreatment at the hands of more established city dwellers.
In images ranging from raw, black-and-white pictures of stark, institutional housing to bold color shots of girls in scarlet pants, photographers Liu Xiaodi, Jiang Jian,
Zhang Xinmin, Luo Yongjin, Zhou Hai, Lu Yuanmin, and Zhou Ming look into the heart of China’s internal struggles between urbanization and industrialism and its traditional, agrarian past.
A catalog, “Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change,” complements the national traveling exhibition, which was organized by Bates College Museum of Art
and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and made possible though the generous support of Crystal Cruises. 
Local funding is provided by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.
RELATED PROGRAMS
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Chinese Stereotypes & Diversity: What’s the Real China? - Celebrate the opening of Documenting China with a community forum exploring the Chinese diaspora. How does regional culture and immigration status affect individuals in the San Francisco Chinese community? Join the engaging discussion with community leaders following a screening of film clips from
KQED’s documentary China from the Inside and My Name is Belle, which will debut on KQED in May. Panelists include Diana Pei-Wu from the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Russell Jeung from San Francisco State University’s Asian American Studies Department; Fei Yi Chen (plus translator) from the Chinese Progressive Association; and Belle Yang, painter and author
of Baba and Hannah Is My Name. The discussion will be moderated by Elaine Shen, KQED’s community engagement manager. Presented by the Library’s Chinese Center, KQED Immigration in Focus, Chinese Culture Center and Chinese Historical Society of America. Cantonese translation services provided by KQED, call (415) 553-3012 to reserve.
Wednesday, May 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
100 Larkin Street
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Contemporary Chinese and Chinese American Literature - A reading and discussion with poet Baolin Cheng, William Poy Lee, author of The Eighth Promise, Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese, Emily Wu, author of Feather in the Storm and Anchee Min, author of The Last Empress. Moderated by Ruthanne Lum McCunn.
Thursday, May 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
100 Larkin Street
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Wonders of Chinese Music: Performance and Talk by Melody of China - The musicians of the San Francisco-based Melody of China ensemble perform traditional Chinese music and introduce such instruments as the ruan (moon guitar) and the xun clay vessel flute.
Sunday, May 20, 2-3p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
100 Larkin Street
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Southern China: Crafts Workshop for Children - Drop-in hands-on crafts projects for children based on traditional craft and folk art from Southern China. Younger children can make paper tiger hats, while older kids can try their hand at making paper cuts based on the Chinese Zodiac animals. Presented by the Museum of Craft and Folk Art.
Saturday, June 9, 2-3 p.m.
Main Library, Fisher Children’s Center,
100 Larkin Street
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Six Golden Flowers - Comprised of six talented young ladies specializing in the ancient Chinese stringed instrument the guzheng, the San Francisco Gu-Zheng Music Society Youth Ensemble perform classic pieces, as well as some modern compositions with advanced techniques.
The group will also play an adaptation of the famed violin concerto Butterfly Lovers.
Sunday, June 10, 2-3 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
100 Larkin Street
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Lonely Planet: Travel Guide to China - Carolyn Heller, author of Lonely Planet: China, presents a multimedia presentation on travel to China, giving special attention to Beijing and its surrounding areas of Northeast China and Inner Mongolia. Having traveled in China both alone and with her family, Heller has a wide range of experiences to share and tips to offer.
Tuesday, June 19, 6:30 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Room,
100 Larkin Street
For On the Same Page: San Francisco Reads River Town: Two years on the Yangtze is our May Selection to coincide with the
Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change exhibition.
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