Last December in Shanghai I picked up a beautiful photography book titled “Light Room”. The limited edition book features 17 emerging Chinese photographers who work with film.
The book and exhibition was curated by Shanghai-based EDGE Creative Collective photographer Ka Xiaoxi, who explains:
“Light Room is a tribute to the last of our generation who, in treacherous and grotesque times, haven’t been carried away with digital age. To those of us who have stayed true to traditional film cameras.
To those of us who spend all their waking hours planning their next shoots and their last pennies on developing roll upon roll of film. To those of us whose cameras are a natural extension of our arms, constantly wrestling with the reality surrounding them.
Their upbringing and life experiences have produced a generation full of emotions and sensitivities.
We are boastful, we are tender, aggressive; some of us are mild, calm; some of us are even rebellious. All of these traits are reflected in our work through different approaches.
In a broadened world, our voices hardly echo, and our youth is consumed. We doubt our self-awareness and express this subtly through our lenses. Everyday, we face the dilemma of being simultaneously isolated from, and addicted to, life.” (from EDGENeocha.com)
I’m really interested in this group of young photographers. As China continues to change at lightening speed, these artists represent the voice of a new generation. It’s cool to see where they point their cameras. It’s also great they’re working with film. Enjoy!
17 photographers are featured in the book: Chen Chiachieh / Chen Zhe / Fenk Zhang / Jia Rui / Ka Xiaoxi /Liu Nian / Luka Yang / Luo Yang (EDGE Creative Collective member) / Mou Hoo / Qiu Yang / Ren Hang (EDGE Creative Collective member) / Ricenz Liu (EDGE Creative Collective member) / Sophie Chen / Xiong Xiaomo / Xu Zhengdong / Yuan Xiaopeng (EDGE Creative Collective member) / Zhang Pingchuan
To buy the book Light Room go here.
Wanderloot 