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 The Last Portrait of Lu Xun, Nie Zhengzhen with a Japanese Girl, and Bai Qiu'en Under Surgery. Readers can revisit these photographs in this book and discover the stories behind them. In the 1930s, photography was regarded 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 Enemies' Greed were the first photographic reports in China themed around "national defense," and they caused 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 The Last Portrait of Lu Xun, Nie Zhengzhen with a Japanese Girl, Bai Qiu'en Under 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 man with the gun suddenly stood at attention and gave Sha Fei a solemn military salute, then aimed at his back. Sha Fei remained still, waiting only 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 never to disappear again.