Zhang Kechun

Following one of the longest rivers in Asia, The yellow river offers a glimpse into China's national identity, an ancient and enduring identity that is changing rapidly.

 

After reading the novel ‘Rivers of the North’ by the ethnic Muslim writer Zhang Chengzhi, the photographer came up with this project. The book is written in a stream-of-consciousness style and its characters follow the course of different rivers in China. Attracted by the powerful words of the novel, he decided to take a walk along the Yellow River to find the roots of his soul. Along the way, the quiet flow of his mind was flooded with the churning thoughts and the ceaseless current of reality.

 

The work explores the landscapes of China, capturing the ecology of its magnificent natural spaces. The tiny human figures, insignificant when set against the vast natural forms, are inspired by the Chinese painting tradition of shan shui 山水 (water and mountain).

 

They aim to create a new point of contact between China's long historical tradition and the concerns of contemporary society.