Smile for the Cameras: Caochangdi PhotoSpring 2012

The Caochangdi PhotoSpring Festival officially began on Saturday, April 21 at Three Shadows Photography Art Centre. Opening week events (Photo Folio Review, talks and screenings, etc.) are wrapping up today, but since most of the exhibitions will continue through May and even June for some, you’ve got plenty of time to see them all. Just in case you’re unsure about where to begin, here are our picks from Saturday’s tour:

The 2012 Three Shadows Photography Award Exhibition: Crossover
The main event Saturday was the big reveal of the winners of this year’s Three Shadows Photography Award, chosen from a total of 354 local and international photographers. The related exhibition, which features works by the competition’s 23 finalists, is a great chance to see some of today’s youngest and most interesting Chinese photographers. The title of this year’s exhibition well depicts the variety of styles, devices, techniques and themes explored by the participants.

For a depiction of contemporary China issues, don’t miss Fan Shisan’s “2 of Us Series,” a simple but stunning reflection on how China’s One Child Policy has affected what he calls “the loneliest generation of people in history.” In “A Study of Childhood,” Yang Yuanyuan combines images and words to tell the private and sometimes disconcerting stories that originate from the unrestrained instincts and unspoiled imaginations of children. Geng Yi’s “Embroidered Bodies” explores the communicative, social and cultural values of tattoos in contemporary China, depicting a generation of self-conscious and on-the-fringe youth. Last but not least, have a look at Yang Xueguang’s “Silent Shuodugang River,” a tale of “authentic customs, enjoyed life, respected spirits” and unforgettable roots.

Until June 15, Three Shadows Photography Art Center (6432 2663), Caochangdi Village

Hisaji Hara: Symphony of Time & Light
This project consists of careful and delicate reinterpretations of Balthus paintings. Hara combines photographic techniques with his previous study in cinematography to realize images where the subject’s stillness contrasts with the liveliness of light, immortalizing a single frame in time. Each photograph is often displayed both in albumen and digital inkjet; go for the albumen ones to see how thin the line between painting and photography can get.

Until June 15. +3 Gallery (6432 2663), Caochangdi Village

Stefen Chow: The Poverty Line
“The Poverty Line” is a fascinating ongoing project that has involved 15 countries so far and will probably continue to add others to the list. Starting from the basic question “ What does it mean to be poor?”, photographer Stefen Chow and economist Lin Hui-Yi decided to visually represent poverty, shooting the quantity of food per day that a person living on the poverty line can afford. Only three countries are featured in the Caochangdi exhibition: China, France and the USA. The photographer explained that his choices were guided by China’s need to compare itself with other countries, namely the USA, to realize its level of economic and social development. The project’s most interesting part is the comparison between China in 2010 and China in 2012, which noticeably points out inflation: while the income per day has nearly doubled, the quantity of food is only slightly greater.

Until May 13. +3 Gallery (6432 2663), Caochangdi Village

To hear from one of Caochangdi PhotoSpring's co-founders and organizers, check out our interview with Berenice Angremy. For more photos of the 2012 PhotoSpring's opening day, view our gallery here.

Photos: Annachiara Biondi