Photographer Huang Qingjun traveled for over a decade throughout remote parts of China. His mission was to provide in-depth looks at the domestic lives of the country's ordinary citizens.
Qingjun asked his subjects to gather their most cherished possessions in front of their homes. The objects reveal the push and pull effects of modernization in China. While it has become a prosperous and technologically advanced nation, many of its residents have remained largely unaffected. At the same time, his snapshots reveal the curious presence of satellite dishes, DVD players and phones inside the mud-made homes of elderly farmers.
The artists informative project was met with a great deal of skepticism, "When I explained...that it would involve taking everything out of their house and setting it up outside, that took quite a lot of explaining." He managed to overcome the suspicion however as he visited 14 Chinese provinces.
Cherished Family Possession Pictures
Huang Qingjun Captures Relatives Amid Revered Belongings
Trend Themes
1. Impact of Modernization on Traditional Lifestyles - The presence of modern technology in the homes of elderly farmers highlights the influence of modernization on traditional ways of living.
2. Duality of Prosperity and Unaffected Residences - China's rapid progress as a technologically advanced nation juxtaposed with citizens who have remained largely unaffected by modernization.
3. Skepticism Towards Informative Art Projects - The initial skepticism towards Huang Qingjun's project highlights the importance of effective communication and building trust with subjects.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Opportunities for photographers to document the impact of modernization on traditional cultures and lifestyles.
2. Travel and Tourism - Travel companies can offer experiences for tourists to visit remote parts of China and gain a deeper understanding of the country's domestic lives.
3. Communications Technology - Potential market for businesses to provide modern technology solutions and infrastructure in remote areas of China.