Shot in the 1960s, Printed Yesterday: The Great Celebration

"Shot in the 1960s, Printed Yesterday: The Great Celebration" is a photographic exploration that delves deep into the heart of Daqing, the 'Oil Capital of China', known for its pivotal role in the country’s industrial history. The city's name, Daqing, meaning "Great Celebration," commemorates the tenth anniversary of the People's Republic of China, encapsulating the spirit of an era marked by transformative growth following the discovery of oil in 1959. These photographs, originally captured by my late grandfather in the vibrant decade of the 1960s, document the faces and everyday lives of those who witnessed and shaped this boom.

In 2023, I revisited these precious negatives, employing darkroom techniques to introduce unique textures that resonate with the age and wear of the originals. My approach goes beyond traditional printing; I experiment with alternative processes to create patterns reminiscent of oil, linking the physical medium of the photographs to the essence of Daqing itself. This technique not only pays homage to the city’s title but also serves as a bridge connecting past and present eras.

Through these reimagined prints, we observe a juxtaposition of humanity's resilience and fragility. Each face tells a story of endurance and adaptation, reflecting the deep interconnection between the city’s people and its land. This project is not merely a historical record but an artistic interpretation that captures the soul of Daqing. It is a celebration of the individuals whose lives paint a broader picture of human experience, resilience, and the relentless spirit of a community intimately linked with its rich history.

Ultimately, "The Great Celebration" is a dialogue across time, a tribute to the legacy of a city and its people as seen through the lens of family heritage, and a reflective look at how identity and historical narratives can be preserved and reinterpreted through the art of photography.

Featured in Granta magazine issue 169:
https://granta.com/shot-in-the-1960s-printed-yesterday/