Maggie Tang

    A SELECTION of 200 photos recording revolutionary China in the first half of the 1900s, is on exhibition at Shenzhen Library until Jan. 16, 2011.

    The black-and-white photos, collected and exhibited by the Shaoshan Red Classic Picture Center, covers four decades from the 1911 Xinhai Revolution to the years leading up to the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

    It is thought to be the first time such a large collection of photos covering the revolutionary years have been exhibited, according to Li Yueping, chief of the Shaoshan Red Classic Picture Center based in Chairman Mao’s hometown, Shaoshan City in Hunan Province.

    “These photos are from our huge collection. We have more than 200,000 photos covering China’s contemporary and modern history, from the late 19th century to the early 1980s,” said Li.

    The theme of the exhibition is “Honoring Heroes,” with many photos of historical and political figures, including late Chinese leaders, revolutionary martyrs and celebrities.

    Many photos of politicians — such as Liu Shaoqi and Peng Dehuai, who fell out of political favor particularly during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) — are on show for the first time. Some have filled in blanks in history.

    There are also pictures of politicians or martyrs taken abroad, which were previously unknown and collected from outside China in recent years.

    Other precious photos include many taken by the common people of historical or revolutionary events. A group of photos show workers erecting the Monument to the People’s Heroes in the middle of Tian’anmen Square, vividly depicting the state of mind at the time — the proud foundation of New China and the people’s expectations of a better life.

    Most of the photos in the exhibition were bought from Xinhua, the country’s official press agency and the biggest information center. Some photos have already been published, but the Shaoshan Red Classic Picture Center now owns the original copies and copyright. The center also bought a lot of photos from archival institutions and individual collectors in China and abroad.

    A series of “red China” photo exhibitions will be held at Shenzhen Library in 2011. The Shaoshan Red Classic Picture Center will stage another six exhibitions, each focusing on a specific topic such as the foundation of the Communist Party of China and the foundation of the People’s Republic of China. Altogether more than 2,000 historical photos will be shown in Shenzhen.

    The organizer is trying to find a partner who can provide a venue to permanently display the photos in Shenzhen.

    “The red revolution period is very important in China’s contemporary history. It was also an exciting period. With this exhibition, we hope people in Shenzhen, especially the younger generations, can learn more about the country’s past. They should learn about the times of their parents and grandparents, because that was where everything came from,” said Li. 

    Some photos on display at the Honoring Heroes exhibition.

    Photos by Sun Yuchen