Chinese Humanism: A Chronicle of the Contemporary

Author: Wang Guangsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: The photography exhibition "Humanism in China—Documenting Contemporary Life" is the largest-scale exhibition in the history of Chinese photography, with the number of participating artists, selected works, and time span all setting new records. More significantly, this exhibition for the first time presents a pure documentary approach, reflecting the of Chinese people on the path toward humanization in all aspects of their survival and life. Furthermore, the overall collection of the participating works according to international standards reflects the museum's growing attention to contemporary photography, and such a collecting practice is also unprecedented in the history of Chinese photography. The theme of the "Humanism in China—Documenting Contemporary Life" photography exhibition is "Humanized China, Individualized China." The title and exhibition positioning of "Humanism in China" stem from three layers of thought: First, leveraging the unique authenticity of photography to record, condense, and restore the genuine life expressions of Chinese people, using extensive and sincere details to showcase the humanistic connotations of different historical stages and highlight the roles and values of individuals in social life. Second, presenting a composite observation of the individual existence of Chinese people from rich, free, and diverse personal perspectives, providing a wealth of "Chinese specimens" in the sense of social imaging. Third, emphasizing, advocating, and conveying the humanistic orientation and spirit of humanistic care in contemporary Chinese humanities, particularly in the field of contemporary documentary photography.