Figure 1.--Here we see a poor Chinese boy in the countryside, probably in the 1980s. Notice that he is already working with a back carrier although he looks to be only about 4 years old. You can tell it is a relatively recent photograph. Earlier the boy almost surely woulkd have been barefoot. This is a Da Kang photograph.

Chinese photographer, Da Kang, was born and grew up in Beijing (1964). He started photographing seriously as a young man (early-80s). He was interested in creating a record of Chinese culture which he both revered and understood. He became a professional photographer and set out to create an extensive of archive of the Chinese population, especially ordinary people. He wanted to record their outlook, spirit and customs. While he had a special interest in people, he alsp photographed architecture, drama, martial arts, and other cultural and artistic creations. He has traveled extensively throughout the country, spending areat deal of time in Tibet, Yunnan and other areas inhabited by ethnic minorities. Here he captured both the people and their custoims on file. Although a modern photographer, he has steadfastly used a traditional film camera and not a digital camera. He produces his own prints, working in black and white. His work has won many prizes.

Created: 7:57 PM 4/1/2012
Last updated: 7:57 PM 4/1/2012