| Pingyao Hustle & Bustle 在平遥寻找“福地” |
Statement of Intent
| These photographs were taken on my Experiential Learning Trip “Pingyao through the Lens” at Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi. |
A part of me is unconvinced of the immersive ancient cultural experience
in Pingyao, with all the commercial streets and peddlers juxtaposed with
the traditional ornamentation and bricks. How am I supposed to
authentically portray something like this? As I walked down the streets, what I realised is that behind the cardboard signboards and magnets selling 10 RMB, are people. If you go where people are, there’ll always be a story to tell. Between the
hustle of aggressive tourists trying to get a good photo and the bustle of
enthusiastic shopowners yelling English phrases, everyone is on a journey, seeking happiness. Even if it’s dressing up in non-period-accurate Chinese cultural wear, if it
brings moments of enjoyment, what are we to judge? Everywhere you go, you see
“福”字 pasted onto doors and pillars, fiery and bright like the city itself, with all its clashing tradition and modernity.
想要拍⼀集带有温度的照⽚，记录在寻找幸福的路上的平凡⼈。
Featured
Untitled (Young Shopkeeper and Dog)
*Winner for “Best Narrative”*
I was a little surprised that this image was selected for “Best Narrative” on the trip, because my intention when taking this photo was simply to capture what I thought was an interesting storefront. But upon reflection, I realised that it was precisely this element of mundane “interesting” that invited each viewer to tell their own story. For me, I was drawn to the incongruity of the young boy on his phone keeping the shop. Others found the sleeping dog interesting, or found themselves drawn to the paper fish in the background, or saw some mysterious duality in the young boy that simultaneously assumed the spirituality of an old man. Maybe it makes a good story not because it necessarily perfectly reflects my perceived narrative, but because each person recognises familiar pieces of their story in it.
Untitled (Young Shopkeeper and Dog)
*Winner for “Best Composition”*
The traditional meaning of composition in photography refers to the structure of the photograph. In terms of this photograph, I prefer the broader impression of composition, in terms of the elements that make up the photo. The balance of the image creates an uncanny sense that blends the natural nature of the women’s walk and their elaborate clothing. The balance with the light green dress in the centre, with the two warm colour tones of red and pink on either side, creates a visual harmony that echoes the pseudo-traditional Chinese storefronts in the background. But besides just harmony, what I really wanted to capture with the visual architecture was the blend of tradition and modernity in Pingyao. The city, of course, has its structure and buildings rooted in ancient tradition, yet the period cosplay and commercial stores in the background suggest a more complex relationship. To me, the uncanny sight of three women wearing period dress in front of a bubble tea store is the most dynamic reflection of that.
Gallery
This photograph usually elicits some explaining. Where does the “失序” or disorder come from? To me, it’s the missing “福“ sign on the left of the door. In Chinese culture, with this kind of layout, one would expect symmetry to be echoed on the left half of the door. Look closely, and you can see the faint rectangular outline of tape on the door. The paper has fallen off, blown off somewhere, in the natural consequence of existing in the natural world. And yet, its other half is still there; the bright, fiery “福“ amidst the grey architecture and constant bustle of business. Among “风吹雨打––” the blowing of the wind and pelting of the rain – the pursuit of “福”， prosperity, and happiness, still persists, even though imperfectly.
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