Exhibition focuses on top US photographers framing Chinese culture

LOS ANGELES — A photo exhibition was launched in Southern California from Jan 23 to last Sunday to showcase Chinese culture through the creative lens of award-winning American photographers.

Four Southern Californian photographers took an 11-day journey to South China's Guangdong province last November to explore its essence.

From daily life to traditional celebrations, the photographers visited different cities and experienced Guangdong's vibrant heritage, artistry and culinary delights.

The exhibition, held in South Coast Plaza in Orange County of Southern California, features 48 photos from their creative lens into Guangdong's dynamic culture, including the Yingge Dance, a traditional folk dance that originated from the Chaoshan area; the enduring kung fu practices in Foshan, a city known for its martial arts culture; and dim sum traditions from humble rural kitchens to upscale dining venues.

"It is a very vibrant place," says Irfan Khan, one of the photographers. "I heard a lot about China before my trip. But when I was there, what I saw was how fast it moves." Khan was part of a winning team of the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino.

"The Chinese people are hardworking and open-minded to the world. China has a disciplined culture. The whole society is in very good shape," says Khan.

He says he expects to explore China more in the future, and showcase the Chinese culture and tradition to American audiences through his pictures.

Michael Nelson, winner of the US National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism, says what impressed him most during his China trip were the contrasts and diversity of Chinese culture.

"You see traditional culture, dances, different kinds of people in mountain areas. You also see the very modern, stylish and fast-paced side, like in cities such as Guangzhou. I found the contrasts very interesting. It's important to get a full picture of the country," he says.

Nelson says he hopes the photo exhibition will serve as a platform to bridge understanding between American and Chinese people and to cement bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Wang Taiyu, cultural counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, says the photo exhibition will help American audiences learn more about China, Chinese people's lives and China's development.