At the dawn of the twentieth century, the pioneering figure in Chinese photographic art, Lang Jingshan, remarked, “Within photography, the challenge of crafting an ideal yet beautiful scene is twofold. It hinges upon what the lens can capture and is constrained by the intrinsic limitations of the machinery.” Such reflections on the essence of photography remain illuminating and relevant to us today.
In contrast to its Western counterpart, the advent of photography as an artistic medium in China never truly precipitated a substantial upheaval against traditional values. Chinese aesthetics prioritize the transcendence of form, drawing from reality yet elevating beyond it. Consequently, cameras, much like brushes and paper, are perceived as equally essential tools. The quest for implicit meanings, akin to the subtle nuances in music or unspoken words in a dialogue, imbues the work of pioneering photographers like Lang Jingshan and Li Yuan-chia with an aura reminiscent of Confucian tranquillity and profoundness. Contemporary Chinese photography has evolved uniquely with the times, reflecting reality while subtly exuding a profound and multifaceted Eastern essence.
The exhibition, titled “Yi Jing”, or “Beyond Lenses” as the English title, showcases an intricate dialogue between history and the present, tradition and innovation, spanning over two decades since the turn of the millennium. It captures the confluence and interplay of Eastern and Western cultures through the lens. Opting for this particular timeframe serves to celebrate the journey of Chinese students pursuing higher education in the UK. Moreover, these twenty years have witnessed unprecedented changes in photographic technology, art theories, and the socioeconomic landscape of China. Through the works of graduates from various eras, we aim to retrospectively examine the palpable impact of this near-history on artistic practice and how these young artists have harmoniously balanced traditional aesthetics, technological advancements, and societal shifts while immersed in the established Western academic systems.
This exhibition features contributions from core faculty members of the Royal College of Art's Photography department and a selection of Chinese alumni who graduated in the past two decades. Presented in a cohesive manner within the space, the exhibition embodies the RCA's pedagogical ethos of inclusivity and collaborative learning since its inception, offering viewers a comprehensive perspective from diverse vantage points. It is evident, from the works of our faculty, the very first Chinese international student, Zhang O, to the most recent young graduates, that their creations not only mirror their respective eras but also engage in a rich, nonlinear dialogue, delving into the intricate nexus between individual identity, society, and nature.
“意镜 Yi Jing”, inspired by the Chinese aesthetic concept of “意境Yi Jing” or “mood”, and using “镜Jing” or “lens, mirror” as a metaphor, embarks on an exploration of the inherent linguistic tension within photography and provides a holistic retrospect of the overseas academic journey of several generations of young Chinese artists. Through this endeavour, we hope to deepen our understanding of photography's multifaceted role as a paramount contemporary art medium and elucidate the untapped potential and value of Chinese photography on the global art stage. In echoing Mr. Lang's words, the artwork is encapsulated within the lens yet shall move beyond the imagery.