Curator Wang Tao (2nd, L) delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Voices" at the TAN Gallery in 798 Art District, Beijing, Sept 24, 2016. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Sijiagou is so remote that time seems to stand still and the centuries' old lifestyle is preserved and sustained. Amelie explained that youngsters in the village are leaving for cities, whereas old people are not willing to leave and continue to keep traditions alive. The rapid development and modernization of China may take away from Amelie's "hometown" in the future, which upsets her.
Johanna-Maria Fritz started taking photographs when she was 13 years old, and after going to Iceland in 2012 for the first time, she was enchanted by the place and shot a series of photographs portraying a circus troupe there.
Julia Runge, Yana Wenicke, Ira Thiessen tell their home-seeking stories in their own ways. In the work Privet Germania, Ira Thiessen orchestrates late emigrants from Russia in their living spaces. Julia Runge adopts a similar approach in her series Basterland, where she encountered the descendants of German colonial rulers in Namibia.
In the series Will-o'-the-wisp, Yana Wenicke shows a place where Sorbian ancient customs and traditions are kept alive, while simultaneously reviving their myths and legends.
Different from these five photographers, Jonas Feige shoots what he sees from daily life scenes, which is not about deliberate seeking but more about "coincidence". For him, photography can tell fabled stories, even talk about the future, "which the paintings can't do."
"It is a refreshing experience while we travel with these works in this exhibition. We all spend our whole life embarking on a home coming journey, whether it is physical or spiritual. I wish we all find peace", Wang said.
If you go:
September 24-Oct 24, 9 am-6 pm, F1 751 Fashion Echo, 751D Park No. 04, Jiuxian Bridge Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing
