Description
Explore the vibrant world of Zhang Xiao's 'Community Fire,' a captivating photographic journey into the Shehuo tradition of Northern China. This stunning book, published by Aperture in 2023, presents a unique perspective on the Spring Festival celebrations, showcasing dragon dances, temple fairs, and storytelling rooted in rural communities. 'Community Fire' captures the essence of Shehuo, which translates to 'community fire,' an age-old practice devoted to land and fire worship. Discover how this time-honored tradition, which dates back thousands of years, has evolved and been influenced by modern consumerism. Through his lens, Zhang Xiao powerfully illustrates the shift from rich cultural heritage to contemporary expressions, as traditional costumes are replaced by mass-produced items from the digital age. This exquisite cloth over boards volume features essays in both English and Chinese, offering profound insights into the significance of Shehuo as cultural heritage. Witness the striking transformation of a cherished tradition and immerse yourself in a visual feast of colorful photographs that evoke cultural nostalgia and contemporary realities. Whether you are an art lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone interested in Chinese culture, 'Community Fire' is an essential addition to your collection. Note: Shipping is free, and delivery may take up to 6 weeks. Please be aware that once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781597115452
Format: Cloth over boards
Year: 2023
Publisher: Aperture
Description:
In his project Community Fire, the photographer Zhang Xiao takes a local, hometown look at Shehuo (社ç«), a Chinese Spring Festival tradition celebrated in rural Northern Chinese communities that includes temple fairs, dragon dances, and storytelling.
Shehuo — literally, 'community fire' — is devoted to the worship of land and fire, and boasts a history of many thousands of years. During the festival, people hold ceremonies, pray for the next year’s good harvest, and confer blessings of peace and safety on all family members. However, what was once a heterogeneous cultural tradition with myriad regional variations has largely become a tourist-facing, consumption-oriented enterprise. In the early 2000s, Shehuo received an 'intangible cultural heritage' designation from the People’s Republic of China, resulting in increased funding in exchange for greater government involvement. While altering the practitioners’ relation to Shehuo, this change expresses itself most visually in the way costumes and props have been replaced with newer, cheaper products from online shopping websites.
Zhang’s colourful and fantastical photographs capture how these mass-produced substitutions have transformed the practice of Shehuo. Community Fire — with essays in English and Chinese — is a dynamic visual exploration of one of China’s oldest traditions.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781597115452
Format: Cloth over boards
Year: 2023
Publisher: Aperture
Description:
In his project Community Fire, the photographer Zhang Xiao takes a local, hometown look at Shehuo (社ç«), a Chinese Spring Festival tradition celebrated in rural Northern Chinese communities that includes temple fairs, dragon dances, and storytelling.
Shehuo — literally, 'community fire' — is devoted to the worship of land and fire, and boasts a history of many thousands of years. During the festival, people hold ceremonies, pray for the next year’s good harvest, and confer blessings of peace and safety on all family members. However, what was once a heterogeneous cultural tradition with myriad regional variations has largely become a tourist-facing, consumption-oriented enterprise. In the early 2000s, Shehuo received an 'intangible cultural heritage' designation from the People’s Republic of China, resulting in increased funding in exchange for greater government involvement. While altering the practitioners’ relation to Shehuo, this change expresses itself most visually in the way costumes and props have been replaced with newer, cheaper products from online shopping websites.
Zhang’s colourful and fantastical photographs capture how these mass-produced substitutions have transformed the practice of Shehuo. Community Fire — with essays in English and Chinese — is a dynamic visual exploration of one of China’s oldest traditions.