Chongqing -  A special photography exhibition called "The Search for the Countryside Project" opened in Chongqing on December 9th. This exhibition presents a collection of field research reports and photos that explore the social and cultural changes in rural villages. The exhibition layout is designed like a race track, offering visitors an immersive experience with impactful visual presentations.

A special photography exhibition called "The Search for the Countryside Project" opened in Chongqing on December 9th. (Photo/The event organizer)

"The Search for the Countryside Project" is a residency program for creators focusing on rural landscapes and cultural elements. Since its inception in 2022, content creators from various industries have participated in this program, forming teams to live and research in villages for a week. They have visited nine villages in Chongqing, capturing every corner of these small villages through their lenses, listening to the daily lives of ordinary people, and showcasing the diverse regional cultures.

The program's overall planner and vice president of the Chongqing History Research Association, Dai Ling, describes the project as a collaborative effort of many social organizations and individuals. Its goal is to comprehensively document rural life and changes.

Wang Yuanling, a photographer and one of the initiators of the project, believes that photography is a visual way of recording history. He suggests that the project helps to document the evolving landscape of cities and villages from various perspectives.

He said, "The power of images lies in extracting the essence of an era from a photo, whether it's the strained veins on the arms of laborers or the scattered houses along the banks of the Yangtze River. This is the power of imagery, and the project aims to anchor this power in rural areas, fostering revitalization."

Documentary director and photographer Wang Yao, who joined the program in early 2023, shares his experience in Gantian Village in Youyang County. With years of experience in filming rural documentaries, he has focused on the steadfast commitment of rural teacher Chen Chunhua to education.

Independent photographer Zhu Xiang believes that getting close to the countryside helps dispel stereotypes and other narrow perceptions. He emphasizes that rural life is not the opposite of urban life or a synonym for backwardness. The integration of e-commerce and the internet has connected rural and urban life, breaking down barriers.

Liu Bo, deputy director of the Chongqing Branch of the China Planning Institute, highlights that the project should go beyond traditional sightseeing photography. He envisions creating an image archive that combines social, documentary, systematic, and artistic aspects from seemingly scattered rural photos.

A special photography exhibition called "The Search for the Countryside Project" opened in Chongqing on December 9th. (Photo/The event organizer)

As photographers embark on their journey in rural areas, what have they discovered?

Liu Bo said the exploration goes beyond landscapes; it uncovers human stories. He uses the keywords "transformation, breakthrough, enlightenment, and perspective" to share touching moments during the project. 

During the sharing session, Wang Yao uses short documentary clips to illustrate the story of Chen Chunhua, the teacher bringing light to a mountainous village, and how her story has gained media attention, attracting more volunteers to support her cause.

Brand designer Li Sangong shares stories of three elderly individuals related to "Yangxi," a traditional local drama, from Xinglong Village in Youyang County. Their deep wrinkles and worn-out costumes narrate the rise and fall of the local cultural phenomenon. Li hopes that spreading these discoveries will bring warmth to rural areas.

A special photography exhibition called "The Search for the Countryside Project" opened in Chongqing on December 9th. (Photo/The event organizer)

The exhibition captures small stories in photos, stirring up memories and emotions about one's hometown. 

Zhou Yong, Honorary President of the Chongqing Historical Research Society, has consistently expressed a keen interest in the project, viewing it as a means to uncover the secrets of rural revitalization through photography. He underscores the notion that today's reality forms tomorrow's history. The photographs captured in this project offer an authentic glimpse into rural life in Chongqing, serving as a vital historical record. He posits that these visual narratives from the exhibition could provide invaluable insights for future historians, enriching their understanding of this era with depth, authenticity, and warmth.