Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com MIGRANT workers sing karaoke at a park in Shekou to celebrate the New Year; a young man is exhausted after queuing for two days and nights to invest in stocks; and a female worker along a production line rubs her eyes in a moment of respite. These glimpses of life from a bygone era in Shenzhen are captured in Zhang Xinmin’s black-and-white photos being exhibited at Yuezhong Museum of Historical Images (MoHI) in Luohu District. The exhibition features nearly 300 of Zhang’s photos taken between 1979 and 2009, curated into three parts. The first segment portrays the lives of Chinese migrant workers in various cities and during their journeys between hometowns and workplaces, showcasing both their struggles for survival and their youthful vitality. These black-and-white photos evoke a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. Without the distraction of colors, the photos bring attention to the people and the stories being told, and convey emotions in a powerful manner. Zhang’s lens captures the profound impact these rural migrants have had on urban landscapes, shaping not only their own destinies but also influencing the evolution of city life. The second part of the exhibition delves into the transformation of some once-isolated and traditional rural communities, highlighting the enduring values amid a rapidly changing society. The third section offers a glimpse into Zhang’s family life, especially his relationship with his twin sons. The exhibition curator Zheng Ziyu, an associate professor of School of Journalism and Communication at Sun Yat-sen University, said that the period between 1979 and 2009 marked a pivotal era both for Zhang’s career as a photographer and for China’s socio-economic development. “Zhang had worked in a newspaper in Shekou, a symbolic place of the reform and opening up. His unique perspective as a photographer and a migrant enabled him to capture the subtleties of everyday life amid sweeping societal changes,” said Zheng. “Examining Zhang’s photos, one discovers not just photography but a profound reflection of societal shifts and human experiences. His photos go beyond mere documentation, embodying a deeper social commentary and insightful narrative. The current exhibition at MoHI presents a comprehensive visual narrative, weaving together a tapestry of ordinary lives and extraordinary moments frozen in time,” he said. Born in Deyang, Sichuan Province in 1952, Zhang began his photographic journey in 1979, portraying his family and colleagues. From his early days as a newspaper photographer in Hainan Province to capturing migrant workers in Shenzhen, Zhang’s works reflect a keen eye for human stories. His classic images, now housed in museums and galleries worldwide, continue to resonate with viewers across generations. The exhibition is the first project of MoHI’s GBA photographers’ works and research series. Since 2015, MoHI has held documentary photography exhibitions along with academic research, exhibiting documentary photos by Hou Dengke in 2006 and Pok Chi Lau in 2019. Dates: Until July 31, closed Mondays Tickets: 24 yuan per student, 48 yuan per adult, 78 yuan for two adults, 128 yuan per family Venue: Yuezhong Museum of Historical Images, 1106 Honggang North Road, Luohu District (罗湖区红岗北路1106号深圳市越众历史影像馆) Metro: Line 14 to Luohu North Station (罗湖北站), Exit H | 