2024 Jimei × Arles

The "Exhibitions from Arles" section aims to synchronize the Chinese audience with the freshest international perspectives. This July, Les Rencontres d'Arles opened with the theme of "Beneath the Surface", among which five exhibitions will be toured: a part of the Journey to the Center  by Cristina De Middel; New Farmer by Bruce Eesly; and Everyday Baroque (2014-2019) by Rajesh Vora. The Rencontres d'Arles Discovery Award, curated by Audrey Illouz in Arles 2024, presents in Jimei two projects: Raising the Dust by Coline Jourdan, presented by Le Lieu de la Photographie (Lorient, France), and An Electronic Legacy by François Bellabas, presented by The Centre Photographique d'Île-de-France.

The "Greetings from Asia" section has showcased the photographic art developments of countries such as Indonesia, South Korea, India, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand from 2017 to 2022. In 2023, it featured a group exhibition of photographers from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia.

This year, "Greetings from Asia" once again turns its focus to Japan, highlighting the dramatic and tumultuous artistic career of photographer Masahisa Fukase, who was active during the golden age of Japanese photography in the 20th century. The exhibition explores his forty years of representative work, outlining the complete trajectory of his artistic exploration. Private Scenes: Masahisa Fukase is co-curated by Tomo Kosuge, director of the Masahisa Fukase Archives, and Chinese curator Yan Qi.

Glinting Light: An Exploration of Luo Bonian's Photography is a special feature of this year's "Outer Regard", presenting a solo exhibition dedicated to Luo Bonian, a renowned figure in the history of photography during the Republic of China era, this exhibition is curated by Hu Jiawen It aims to honor Mr. Luo's contributions to the development of early Chinese photographic art and to provide valuable insights and inspiration for future generations of photographers. Born into a family of officials at the Hangzhou Prefecture Yamen, Luo Bonian was deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture from a young age. With his passion and dedication to photography, he made a profound impact on the Chinese photographic community during the 1930s and 1940s, both as a banker and a photographer. His works not only drew inspiration from the early pictorialist style but also integrated visual elements of Western modernist photography, boldly experimenting with techniques such as collage, thereby demonstrating the infinite possibilities of photographic art. This exhibition systematically traces the evolution of Luo Bonian's photographic explorations as a renowned photographer of the Republic of China era, displaying his precious originals and documentary materials and guiding viewers into a historical era gently embraced by time.

The "China Pulse" section will spotlight the photography and moving image practices of young artists. I Wish You Were Here, curated by Li Zijian, features artists including Bai Lin, Huang Jiayang, He Ye, Lan Dongliang, Shi Yu, Wang Yibing, Sean Wang, Wen Hao, Yan Qihan, and Yang Weihan. Centered on the themes of "nostalgia" and "hauntology," the exhibition showcases works that delve into private memory, historical legacy, and spiritual states. It seeks to uncover the "ghostly heritage" intertwined with our perception and memory, inviting viewers into a space resonating with echoes and whispers.

The "Crossover Photography" section presents a collision of diverse cultures and perspectives, featuring three exhibitions showcasing photographers Gao Yuan, Luo Dong, and Li Xiaoliang. Marking the 30th anniversary of the "Chinese Rock Power" Hong Kong Coliseum concert, the exhibition Coli3e0m Rock by Gao Yuan, curated by Liu Chang, offers a glimpse into the on-stage and behind-the-scenes moments of this iconic Chinese rock event, as well as the spirit of rock musicians from that era. Film director Luo Dong's exhibition Just One Day, curated by Jiang Feiran and supported by CHANEL, under Luo Dong's lens, presents photographs seemingly free of intricate narratives or lofty aesthetic ambitions. With a gentle and unadorned gaze, they draw the viewer into rare moments where the extraordinary quietly unfolds within the everyday. Fashion photographer Li Xiaoliang's exhibition, New Houses, curated by Shi Hantao, documents the development and evolution of ethnic culture in the Qinghai-Tibet region, seeking to explore the issue of identity arising from multi-ethnic coexistence, engaging the audience in a dialogue between “tradition” and “modernity”.  

The Jimei × Arles International Photo Festival, in collaboration with its Premium Imaging Partner vivo, proudly presents the "2024 vivo VISION + Exhibition." Curated by Jimei x Arles co-founder RongRong, this exhibition features mobile photography by renowned artists such as Alex Webb, Xiao Quan, Duan Yueheng, and Francesco Gola. Additionally, it includes exceptional works selected from 602,003 submissions from 21 countries and regions, highlighting the diversity of perspectives in mobile image art.

Deep within every image lies a reflection of the soul, it holds the depth and warmth of life. Each photograph captures a moment, serving as a conversation between the heart and the world, a vessel of emotions and meaning. Once again, vivo extends a warm invitation to image creators worldwide to participate in the 2025 vivo VISION +. vivo encourages creators to embrace mobile photography, starting from the heart. Pick up your phone, take one more shot. Observe and experience life deeply, share your passion for mobile image art, and unleash your imagination and creativity. Participants interpret their individuality through images and capture those touching moments that resonate with others.

The Unconscious Eyes centers on selected works from the "Xiaohongshu Inspiring Moments Award", exploring the theme of "Surreal Images" and showcasing photography as an artistic medium that transcends mere documentation to connect individuals with the world. The exhibition space is divided into two contrasting atmospheres—daylight's fleeting fragments of everyday life and the dreamlike ambiguity of the night. Featuring six artists, the works range from street captures to surreal scenes created through digital techniques and collage. These images not only reflect the creators' unique insights into life but also invite viewers on a captivating visual journey, transitioning from reality to the depths of the subconscious. The exhibition is curated by Teng Qingyun and Li Zijian, produced by Lan Ruoqian.