The photograph above is titled “Competition” and it is by Wang Qingsong. It is from the exhibition “When Worlds Collide” at the International Center of Photography. The main point of this photograph is to capture the development of China over the years. The artist, Wang Qingsong, was born during the beginning of the Cultural Revolution so he has been able to experience the change China has endured, firsthand. In order to capture the development Qingsong first reflects on a time during the Cultural Revolution when China was covered with posters put up by the Red Guard factions. He then recreates this image with a creative twist. He pasted many of his own, self-drawn, posters up on a big wall. If one were to analyze this photo close enough they would notice that his posters include current name brands such as Starbucks and Citibank. This exemplifies the different, modern, and new Westernized culture of China. It shows how China has changed throughout the years to adapt to more modern and complicated world. Although Qingsong aims to feature an improved version of China, he keeps China’s roots intact through the use of the Chinese language on the posters.
Here is the citation: Qingsong, W. (2011, February 4). Competition [Photograph]. When Worlds Collide, International Center of Photography, New York, NY.
Rosenberg, K. (2011, January 27). As China Evolves, So Does an Artist. Retrieved October 05, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/arts/design/28qingsong.html