it's been many years

It's Been Many Years

“New Reality” World

We have always been observing the trend of contemporary photography. When the transition from silver halide film to digital technology occurred, we thought that photography would undergo a huge twist. In fact, that technological change only brought about a transformation in the recording medium, without fundamentally changing the essence of photography.

This time, photography is developing towards new digital technologies. At first glance, it appears to be a gradual progression in digital technology by increasing the excessive amount of pixels, enhancing computational power, and incorporating artificial intelligence. However, on a deeper level, this emergent digital photography has immersed us in a “New Reality” world, offering a glimpse of a distinct sentiment.

Consider the twelve artists showcased in this exhibition – they can be broadly categorized into three groups. The first comprises documentary photographers, including Sun Zhijun, Yu Jia and Cheng Xueli; the second group encompasses art photographers like Chi Haibo, Guo Mei, Chen Lei, Kong Lingkai, Tang Xiaoping and Wu Shenjie; the third group, contemporary photography, appears challenging to classify yet holds a clear designation, exemplified by: Feng Li, Xiong Hanquan and Chen Jingwen.

The aforementioned is the simplest way of categorization, but a detailed study of their works reveals many ambiguities. If we delve deeper, we will find that regardless of the category these works belong to, there is a palpable sense of “falseness” when we closely examine them.

The initial explanation that comes to mind is from digital technology. The high pixels brought by cameras fill in every minute light point, making the previously overlooked fine details appear vividly before our eyes, providing the brain with an unprecedented visual experience. This sensation significantly diverges from the visual experiences humans have accumulated over tens of thousands of years, causing most people to judge this as “false”.

However, it's not that the real objects being photographed have become fake. Rather, within digital images, technology has digitally tamed the original tangible world, making the original real objects more detailed and substantial. This type of reality surpasses the visual genetic experience of the human brain, and people perceive this heightened realism as “false”.

This represents a completely new concept of reality. And thus, the human world is entering an era of “New Reality”. Currently, we are at the juncture of transitioning from the old to the new reality, also in a transitional phase between the old and new worlds.

Reconnecting with the works of this exhibition, this seemingly “false” reality is precisely the “true” reality in our world. The distinction between “false” and “true” might just be a matter of time. Perhaps soon, we will fully accept this kind of “false” reality, incorporate it into our vision, and eventually integrate it into our new visual memory.

This time, photography has become the protagonist of the contemporary era. People eagerly anticipate and look forward to photography leading us into this already-arrived “New Reality” world.

Text By Dai Fei
Portrait of Chen Lei

ARTIST: Chen Lei

Chen Lei is a contracted photographer and lecturer affiliated with FUJIFILM China. He holds membership in the China Photographers Association and has been selected as an artist for the China Photography National Exhibition and International Photographic Art Exhibition. Chen Lei has received accolades such as the Lishui Photography Festival Collection Award, the Oasis Landscape Gold Award, and the Lighting Gold Award from the Oasis Competition.

Renowned for his ability to reconstruct visual order from the intricacies of nature, Chen Lei's daily routine and professional focus involve capturing and describing each detail through meticulous color adjustments.
Portrait of Chi Haibo

ARTIST: Chi Haibo

Chi Haibo is a member of the China Photographers Association and the Deputy Director of the Art Photography Committee of the Shanghai Photographers Association.

Chi Haibo's main works "Spring" and "Seems Like Mountains Are Trees" were selected for the 27th National Photography Art Exhibition (the "National Exhibition") in the art category and were collected by the China Photographers Association. His works "Net," "Canyon," and "Red Willow" were selected for the 26th National Photography Art Exhibition (the "National Exhibition") in the art category. "Elegant" was selected for the 26th National Photography Art Exhibition in the art category for group photos. "Pearl Light and Emerald Shadows" was exhibited in the 17th China International Photographic Art Exhibition in the art category, and "Cranes Dancing to Welcome the Sun" was exhibited in the 16th China International Photographic Art Exhibition in the art category.

Chi Haibo's exhibition projects include: "Shanghai Lingang Sea 1, 2" exhibited at the Beijing Image Art Expo (Jing Photo) (2023); "Lingang Sea 1, 2, 3, 4" participated in the 9th Shanghai Image Expo (2023); "Elegant" participated in the Venice Family Clinic Art Walk+ Auction (Los Angeles, 2023); "Natural Mind" was a special invitee at the Shanghai International Photography Festival (Crossing Shanghai's Century of Classic Photography) (2022); "Elegant" was part of a three-person photography exhibition at YIWEI GALLERY in Los Angeles, USA (2022); "Ink and Wash Vast Sea 1, 2," "Moon and Tides," and "Winter Rhythm" were exhibited at the 7th PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai (2021); "Lingang Sea" was a special feature at the Lishui Photography Festival (2021); "Nature's Whisper" was featured in the Gallery Zone at the Dali International Photography Exhibition (2021); "Lingang Sea" was a special invitation exhibition at the Shanghai International Photography Festival (2020); "These Years" was featured in the 20th Pingyao International Photography Festival (2020); "Lingang Sea" was a special invitation exhibition at the Shanghai Contemporary Art Exhibition (2020), and more.
Portrait of Chen Jingwen

ARTIST: Chen Jingwen

Chen Jingwen is a member of the China Photographers Association, a professor at the Beijing Photography Correspondence College, a director and senior member of the Guangdong Photographers Association, the vice-chairman of the Guangzhou Photographers Association, a contracted photographer and lecturer for FUJIFILM China, one of the top ten photographers for Visual China, and a certified photographer for DJI's SkyPixel. In 2000, he was titled one of the "Top Ten Young Photographers of Guangzhou"; in 2006, his works were selected for the Xinghe Exhibition of Guangdong Young Photographers. His works have been published in magazines such as Popular Photography, Chinese Photographers, Circle of Literature and Art, China Photography Press, Yangcheng Evening News, and others, with over 500 award-winning pieces (or sets) exhibited and published nationally.

In 2016, he won the Silver and Bronze Awards in the Art category, as well as the Local Photography Award at the 26th Guangdong Photography Exhibition. His aerial photography work "Eyelashes of Alxa" won the Gold Award in the Natural Scenery category at the 2015 Sohu China First International Drone Photography Contest; "Urban Star Dreams" won the First Prize in the "Aerial Panorama" category at the SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest; "Mirage" won the First Prize in the "Belt and Road Initiative, Beautiful Guangzhou" Photography Competition; "Morning Light Shines on Yangcheng" won the Gold Award in the Overhead category at the 16^th Trierenberg Super Circuit in 2017. In 2019, he was named the Visual China 500PX Photographer of the Year. His work "Ring" won the Second Prize in the Architecture category at the SkyPixel 6th Anniversary Aerial Photo & Video Contest of DJI in 2021. His work "The Best Dive" won the Judges' Prize at the Fujifilm Global Street Fighter Photography Awards 2021. His works "Alone" and "Alter Ego" won the Gold Awards in the Series and Sequence Group and the Panoramic Photography Group, respectively, at the 31st Trierenberg Super Circuit in 2022.
Portrait of Kong Lingkai

ARTIST: Kong Lingkai

Kong Lingkai holds various positions in the field of photography, including Executive Deputy Director of the Professional Photography Branch of the Shanghai Advertising Association, Board Member of the Shanghai Youth Literature and Art Federation, and Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Youth Art Photography Association. Additionally, he is the principal of Shanghai Tongyuan Cultural Development Co., Ltd, an industry mentor at the Art and Design School of Shanghai University of Engineering Science, and collaborates as a photographer with FUJIFILM China.

My love for photography dates back to my early years when I enjoyed using a camera to capture the beauty of the world around me. As time progressed, I discovered that photography transcends mere documentation. It serves as a means to convey my imagination, creating distinct visual effects that allow viewers to sense the passage of time and the emotional fluctuations behind each photograph. Photography is not just a technical skill, it is a form of art and self-expression. It involves both creation and interpretation. I strive for a unique and insightful visual presentation in my photographic style, exploring and blending diverse themes from reality to abstraction. Each photo shoot becomes an exploration and a creative journey. Under my lens, a simple grassland transforms into a romantic canvas, a flower inspires poetry, and a face becomes a portrait narrating countless stories. I imbue ordinary subjects with artistic meaning, showcasing through my work the coexistence of real and imaginative beauty. Photography, to me, is a powerful mode of communication and expression. I aspire for my creations to resonate with viewers, evoking deep emotions and establishing a connection on a personal level. Each piece of my work has a distinctive style and atmosphere, inviting viewers to appreciate the visual aesthetics and grasp my creative philosophy and artistic aspirations. Ultimately, I aim to offer viewers a profound visual experience and stimulate contemplation.
Portrait of Guo Mei

ARTIST: Guo Mei

Guo Mei's notable works include "Splendor of Life", "Joyful", "Colorful City", "Myth or Reality", "Naxi Portraits", and "Secret Life". The work "Joyful" received the Chairman's Alliance Award at the 9th Dali International Photography Exhibition. At the same time, "Myth or Reality" was honored with the Excellent Works Award at the 22nd Pingyao International Photography Exhibition. "Strangers", another creation, earned the Silver Award in the Art Category at the 5th Shaanxi Photography Awards. Guo Mei has published books such as "Splendor of Life: Artistic Expression of Photography" (published by the Publishing House of Electronics Industry) and personal albums like "Myth or Reality", "Splendor of Life", and "Bright Places".

Her major exhibition projects include the Personal Photography Exhibition "Splendor of Life" at the Lishui Photography Festival, Shenzhen Siyue Library Personal Photography Exhibition "Splendor of Life" (2017), Personal Photography Exhibition "Naxi Portraits" at the 8th Dali International Photography Exhibition in Yunnan (2019), Personal Photography Exhibition "Splendor of Life" at the 4th Shaanxi International Silk Road Image Expo (2019), Personal Photography Exhibition "Splendor of Life" at the China Sanmenxia Natural Ecology International Photography Exhibition (2019), Personal Photography Exhibition "Colorful Alleys" at the China Sanmenxia Natural Ecology International Photography Exhibition (2020), 2nd International Localized Image Festival Shenyang with the exhibited work "Joyful" (2021), Personal Photography Exhibition "Joyful" at the 9th Dali International Photography Exhibition in Yunnan (2021), Art Appreciation Exhibition for Multi-ethnic Young Artists "Joyful" and "Colorful Alleys" (2022), Solo Photography Exhibition "Myth or Reality" at the Pingyao International Photography Festival (2022), Solo Exhibition "Myth or Reality" at the Zhejiang Lishui Photography Festival (2022), Solo Photography Exhibition "Myth or Reality" at Shanghai Fujifilm SPACE (2023), and Gallery Exhibition of Photography Works "Secret Life" at the China Dali International Film Festival (2023).
Portrait of Feng Li

ARTIST: Feng Li

In 2005, Feng Li embarked on a photographic journey marked by unique observations and a distinctive personal style, capturing the extraordinary within ordinary daily life. His outstanding work earned him the Jimei x Arles Discovery Award in 2017, and in 2018, he participated in the renowned Les rencontres d’Arles in France. His series "White Night" is particularly acclaimed and has become a focal point for art institutions and collectors globally, receiving extensive coverage from prominent art media outlets.
Portrait of Xiong Hanquan

ARTIST: Xiong Hanquan

Xiong Hanquan is a member of the China Photographers Association, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Hunan Photographers Association and holding a position as a committee member of the 10th Committee of the Hunan Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles. With an impressive track record, he has published over 3000 domestic and international photography works and papers, earning recognition with more than 400 award-winning pieces. From 2000 to the present, his photographic works have graced the pages of renowned publications like Chinese Photography, Chinese Photography Press, Popular Photography, and Chinese Photographers. Notably, in 2009, he was honored with the title “Outstanding Photographer with 10 Years of Contribution in Hunan Province.”

Xiong Hanquan’s work Freehand Snow Mountain Brushwork was awarded the Silver Prize, the highest honor of the People’s Republic of China Mass Culture Government, known as the “Star Award.” His photo series People on the Furnace Platform won the Silver Prize at the 21st National Photography Art Exhibition, while Rhythm of Steel received an Excellent Prize at the same exhibition. Industrial Memory secured the Silver Prize in the Multimedia category at the 24th National Photography Art Exhibition, and Rebirth through Nirvana earned an Excellent Prize in the Multimedia category at the 27th National Photography Art Exhibition. Little Football Fan received the Silver Award at the 11th China International Photographic Art Exhibition, and Colors of the City received an Excellent Award at the same event. Prayers for Blessing was selected for the 12th China International Photographic Art Exhibition, while Break Free was chosen for the 13th China International Photographic Art Exhibition. Workers on the Furnace Platform won the Gold Award at the "Our Workers Have Strength" National Photography Art Exhibition. Additionally, Pulse, Soar, and Furnace Worker each received the Gold Prize at the 11th, 12th, and 13th Hunan Provincial Photography Art Exhibitions.

Xiong Hanquan has participated in solo exhibitions, including “Love of Steel” in Beijing (2003). He has also organized and hosted impactful theme photography exhibitions, such as “Steel Variations” at the Shenyang (Tiexi) International Industrial Photography Festival (2007), "People on the Furnace Platform" at the Changsha International Orange Photo Festival (2010), "Frontline Workers" Exhibition in Changsha (2012), and “Steel Variations” at the Shenyang (Tiexi) International Industrial Photography Exhibition (2013).

His publications include the 2007 release of the album Yaowan – Memories of an Old Street, accompanied by an associated exhibition. In 2012, he published the album Steel Variationsand hosted an exhibition. Following this, the 2014 release of the album Lotus Mourning was accompanied by an exhibition. His 2022 Image Log is set to be published in 2023.
Portrait of Cheng Xueli

ARTIST: Cheng Xueli

Cheng Xueli, born in 1988 in Yunnan, currently resides and works in Chengdu, Sichuan. At 19, he joined the forest firefighting team, experiencing a forest fire and a major earthquake in his first year as a firefighter. Witnessing the insignificance and vulnerability of humanity in the face of nature, he decided to work as a part-time photographer alongside his firefighting duties. Through photography, he aimed to convey his observations, thoughts, and feelings from the front lines to the outside world. In 2023, Cheng Xueli marks his 16th year working on the front lines of forest firefighting. Situated in the mountainous regions of Sichuan, known for being a beloved habitat of giant pandas but characterized by remote and treacherous terrain, he has actively participated in combating 146 forest fires in locations like Sichuan Liangshan, Chongqing Dazu, Hunan Xintian, and Daxing'anling. Additionally, he has been involved in disaster relief efforts for earthquakes in Wenchuan, Jiuzhaigou, Changning, Ya'an, and Ludian, contributing to rescue operations in forest fires and earthquakes, leading to secondary disasters such as floods and mudslides. During periods without firefighting and disaster relief duties, motivated by his passion for photography, Cheng Xueli has extensively explored and captured the ecological environment in primitive forest areas such as Daxing'anling, Xishuangbanna, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Xinjiang, and Wolong Nature Reserve.
Portrait of Wu Shenjie

ARTIST: Wu Shenjie

Wu Shenjie is a photographer who transitioned from the film era to the digital age. His early career encompassed portrait and commercial advertising photography, followed by years dedicated to developing wedding photography samples. As a digital quality control mentor, he provided guidance and education, offering technical support to numerous large and medium-sized photography studios and commercial photography institutions nationwide. Through the refinement of technical skills and a series of creative endeavors, he found his understanding of artistic photography, leading him to embark on the challenging path of artistic photography, valuing self-improvement. He has been honored with numerous international awards in artistic photography, including the grand prize at the 2018 Oasis Awards, the Eighth China Top Ten Portraitists, the highest honor of the Black Gold Lion Badge from the International Technical Association, and participation as an international judge in various artistic photography competitions. However, he believes these achievements are not the conclusion of his creative journey but merely the beginning.

Wu Shenjie consistently focuses on learning, contemplating, and discovering past and future creations. He aims to focus on more aspects of life, discovery, and societal forms as creative triggers. Using visuals and characters, he articulates his self-concept. In the digital age, where photography technology has been replaced by the word "data," he believes that a captivating piece still requires the artist's profound cultural background and self-discovery ability. This involves discovering the conventional and unconventional values concepts and the emotions and meanings one wishes to express.
Portrait of Tang Xiaoping

ARTIST: Tang Xiaoping

Tang Xiaoping is a photographer based in Guangzhou with a diverse career spanning roles in film art, graphic design, creative direction, and gallery management. He navigates between the spheres of commerce and art, using photography as his chosen medium. His work has earned recognition in various creative yearbooks, including Archive, a top global advertising magazine. Tang Xiaoping is also involved in a broad spectrum of exhibitions. As a creative force, Tang Xiaoping has garnered significant accolades. Notable awards include the 12th Golden Statue Award for China Photography, the Recommended Excellent Work Award from the 26th National Photography Art Exhibition, four gold medals from the “Trierenberg Super Circult,” and top honors, including the Grand Prize and Best Art Direction, in the Guangzhou 4A Young Creative Competition. Tang Xiaoping currently teaches photography courses at several universities, including the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong Industry Polytechnic, and more. As an artist, Tang Xiaoping actively participates in various artistic endeavors. His works find homes in art institutions and private individuals’ collections.
Portrait of Yu Jia

ARTIST: Yu Jia

When history cannot be replayed, we turn to imagery to imagine the civilization and prosperity of that era.

Yu Jia, a native of Guanghan, has a connection with Sanxingdui dating back to the opening of the Sanxingdui Museum in 1997. "At that time, I felt the place was crowded and lively. It was something to be proud of, but I never thought that my connection with Sanxingdui would deepen to this extent". In 2002, Yu Jia began working in news and publicity, officially starting his journey of documenting Sanxingdui through imagery. "I had been thinking for a long time that artifacts are 'static.' They may be beautiful but lack vitality. So, can I use a two-dimensional space to present a 'living' and vibrant Sanxingdui? I want to make artifacts 'speak.'" This idea lingered in Yu Jia's mind and gradually accumulated. In 2020, with the initiation of a new round of archaeological excavations at Sanxingdui, Yu Jia had a face-to-face dialogue with national treasures from a millennium ago. Over three years of excavation and shooting, Yu Jia captured over a hundred thousand images – the bronze masks, bronze heads of the top deity, turtle-shaped grid-patterned objects, and more. He followed archaeologists daily, documenting the meticulous cleaning, extraction, and further cleaning, allowing these national treasures, buried in ashes and dust for thousands of years, to reveal their true faces gradually. In the moments they were "in" and "out" of the pits, Yu Jia froze those scenes. With dedicated focus and meticulous arrangement, he used imagery to witness the vivid scenes of the awakening of the Sanxingdui national treasures, embodying the saying "a glance spans a thousand years".
Portrait of Dai Fei

CURATOR: Dai Fei

Dai Fei, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Shanghai Normal University, master supervisor, the program director and young scholar. He has served as a curator and art director for major domestic and international film exhibitions, and he has contributed photography and art critiques to various publications.
Chen Jingwen, from “One Man” series, 2021. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100
Chen Lei, from “Invisible Landscape” series, 2018. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.
Cheng Xueli, “Untitled”, 2022. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100S
Chi Haibo, from “A Tribute to Life“ series, 2023. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100
Feng Li, from “Spring Outing” series, 2022. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Short on FUJIFILM GFX50SII
Guo Mei, from “The Secret Life“ series, 2023. Giclee print, 161cm x 100cm. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.
Kong Lingkai, “Green”, 2023. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100S
Tang Xiaoping, “Sky”, 2018. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM X-E3
Wu Shenjie, from “The Golden Age - Lust” series, 2023. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100II
Sun Zhijun, “Silence Statement”, 2022. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM. Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100
Xiong Hanquan, from “Industrial Landscape”series, 2023. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100S
Yu Jia, from “Print”series, 2022. Giclee print, dimensions variable. Courtesy of FUJIFILM.

Shot on FUJIFILM GFX100S

it's been many years

It's Been Many Years

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