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 renowned works, such as After's Last Portrait, Nie Zhengzhen with a Japanese Girl, and Bao Quen Undergoing Surgery. Readers can relive these photographs and discover the stories behind them in this book. 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 Enemy's Greed were the first photographic reports in China themed around "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 Tou Chuan, 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 with a Japanese Girl, Bao Quen 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, silent. At that moment, the man with the gun suddenly stood at attention and gave Sha Fei a solemn military salute before aiming at his back. Sha Fei remained still, waiting only for the fatal shot. The shot rang out. Sha Fei fell, 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.