Rural China Book of the Month (December 2024): Farmer: Photographic Portraits by Pang Xiaowei
Spirit Resonance in China's Countryside: Exploring Visual Culture through Pang Xiaowei’s Photographs
Pang Xiaowei’s Farmer: Photographic Portraits is a deeply moving visual tribute to the men and women who form the backbone of China’s agricultural economy. Spanning every province, the collection of 160 portraits draws the reader into an intimate world of resilience, dignity, and the connection between farmers and the land they tend.
Pang’s commitment to this project is itself an extraordinary act of devotion. Traversing China’s thirty-four administrative divisions is no mean feat for a single project. He brings into focus lives too often overlooked in the nation’s broader narrative. Each photograph serves as a testament to the humanity and labour of its subject, capturing more than physical likeness—it renders visible the weight of their experience. The weathered lines of their faces, the way they carry themselves before the lens, and the unspoken stories in their eyes evoke a deeply visceral connection. These images are not merely portraits but powerful acts of witness, revealing lives bound inextricably to China’s journey.
Pang’s approach to his subjects is deeply influenced by the ancient Chinese artistic philosophy of “spirit resonance” (传神写照). This concept goes beyond the documentation of appearances, aiming to capture a person’s inner vitality and essence. His work is a testament to the belief that portraits have a language, and his images exemplify this philosophy, offering insight into the lives and labour of his subjects.
The accompanying essays by Pang Xiaowei and Chen Lvsheng provide critical context, exploring the philosophy and intentions behind the project. These writings emphasise that the photographs transcend the realm of art, functioning as acts of storytelling. They forge a bridge between viewer and subject, rural and urban, past and present, underscoring the interconnectedness of these worlds.
Farmer compels its audience to pause and consider the rural stories that form the foundation of the nation’s development. This book serves as a poignant reminder of the countryside’s enduring significance. It honours the spirit of the farmer, ensuring their narratives are seen, felt, and preserved.
For those interested in rural China or the capacity of photography to reveal profound human truths, Pang Xiaowei’s Farmer is indispensable. It is an emotional and artistic triumph deserving a place on any shelf dedicated to understanding China’s heart and soul.