For Immediate Release: March 16, 2007
Contact: Sherri Eng (415) 557-4282
seng@sfpl.org
Photo Exhibition Depicts China in Transition
Separated from the West by thousands of miles and seemingly insurmountable cultural barriers, China has long been an unfamiliar, romanticized land—until recently. Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change,
on display April 28–June 24 in the Jewett Gallery at the Main Library, explores social change in the most populous nation on earth. Through the dramatic works of seven Chinese photographers, we see the country from an insider’s point of view.
With their raw black-and-white and color images, photographers Liu Xiaodi, Jiang Jian, Zhang Xinmin, Luo Yongjin, Zhou Hai, Lu Yuanmin and Zhou Ming unveil truths about China’s internal struggle—a battle between modern industrialism and the
traditional, agrarian past that has sustained the country for thousands of years. With 57 compelling images, these contemporary Chinese photographers tell the gritty, sometimes proud stories of those still struggling to blend into the urban
landscape without losing sight of their traditional ways. Each photographer tells his unique story from his own perspective. While some photographs resemble quick snapshots of urban and rural life, others are methodically and artistically composed.
Documenting China is organized by Bates College Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The exhibition has been made possible through the generous support of Crystal Cruises. Local funding is provided by
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.
Related programs:
May 2, 6–7:30 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library
Opening Program - Features clips from the recent PBS documentary China from the Inside. A panel discussion and community conversation will follow. Co-presented by the Library’s Chinese Center, KQED’s Immigration in Focus and the Chinese Culture Center
May 10, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library
Contemporary Chinese and Chinese American Literature -
A reading and discussion with several Bay Area Chinese and Chinese American authors, including:
Baolin Cheng, poet and instructor at UC Berkeley extension; William Poy Lee, author of The Eighth Promise;
Gene Luen Yang, author of Northern California Book Award nominee American Born Chinese; and
Moderator: Ruthanne Lum McCunn, author of Thousand Pieces of Gold
May 20, 2 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library
Melody of China -
Traditional Chinese instrumental music.
June 10, 2–3 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library
San Francisco Gu-Zheng Music Society Youth Ensemble
June 19, 6:30 p.m., Latino/Hispanic Community Room, Main Library
Lonely Planet: Travel Guide to China
The exhibition and programs are free and open to the public. For more information, please call (415) 557-4277.
Note: Photos from the exhibition are available for publication.
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