Iron Witness: My Father Sha Fei

Author: Wang Yan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: As a pioneer of revolutionary news photography in China, Sha Fei's legendary life left behind many famous works, such as After's Last Portrait, Nie Zhengzhen and the Japanese Girl, and Bai Qiu'en Undergoing Surgery. Readers can relive these photographs and discover the stories behind them in this book. In the 1930s, photography was used as a tool for entertainment and leisure in China. Sha Fei once sharply declared, "Photography is a powerful weapon to expose reality!" He advocated using the camera to reflect the suffering and calls of the people, their desires and struggles. Sha Fei also stood up to expose the Japanese pirates' invasion of Nan'ao Island. The famous photographic series Nan'ao Island—A Target of Japanese Southward Expansion and Nan'ao Island Under the Enemy's Greed were the first photographic reports in Chinese photography to focus on "national defense," causing a strong response. Meanwhile, the series of photographs Sha Fei took of Lu Xun has become a treasure in the history of Chinese photography. Sha Fei, a renowned photographer, pioneer of revolutionary news photography, and famous journalist. Originally named Shi Tuan, he was born on May 5, 1912, in Guangzhou and passed away on March 4, 1950, in Shijiazhuang at the age of 38. Sha Fei's legendary life left behind many famous works, such as After Lu Xun's Last Portrait, Nie Zhengzhen and the Japanese Girl, Bai Qiu'en Undergoing Surgery, and Fighting on the Ancient Great Wall. China has issued commemorative stamps featuring Sha Fei's photographic works. Sha Fei stood in the middle. He held his head high and remained silent. At that moment, the gunner suddenly stood at attention and saluted Sha Fei with a solemn military salute, then aimed at his back. Sha Fei remained still, waiting for the fatal shot. The shot rang out. Sha Fei fell down, his face turned toward the land he loved. Yes, Sha Fei was a tragic figure, but what a tragedy it was? It was a tragedy tinged with iron, shining deep in the annals of history, and would never disappear again. Iron Witness—My Father, Sha Fei comprehensively and thoroughly records the legendary life of Sha Fei, who lived a full life at the age of 38, and includes over 100 precious photographic works by Sha Fei.