A vibrant celebration of art and connection took place last Thursday at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, as the China Cultural Centre in Fiji and the Department of Communications of Guizhou Province launched the ‘Fiji Special Exhibition of China Guizhou Bridge Construction Art Photography’. This event commemorates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The exhibition showcased striking photography while also highlighting the significant impact of infrastructure in one of China’s most mountainous regions. Guizhou Province, known for its rugged terrain, has made substantial advancements in recent years, building a “transportation plain” that connects its landscape through an extensive network of highways, railways, and bridges.
These infrastructures have dramatically improved the lives of local residents, promoted economic growth, and assisted in poverty alleviation efforts. Curated by Chen Peng, an esteemed photographer with a background in industrial documentation, the exhibition displayed works from over 30 photographers, illustrating the architectural wonders represented by Guizhou’s bridges.
From stunning aerial views to intimate depictions of everyday life near these structures, the photographs narrate a story of innovation, resilience, and community. Chen, who began his photographic career in Guizhou five years ago with the intent of capturing the province’s culture, found inspiration in its majestic mountains and intricate bridges, leading him to focus on the region’s industrial evolution.
“The bridges are not just structures. They are lifelines for the people of Guizhou, connecting isolated communities and enabling progress,” he stated in an interview. His photography invites audiences to appreciate the coexistence of natural beauty and human creativity, emphasizing both the impressive engineering of the bridges and their importance to the residents who rely on them.
The exhibition conveyed a broader message about community and connectivity, with Chen highlighting the hope and progress symbolized by these bridges in a historically isolated region. “Before these bridges, traveling between villages was a daunting task. Now, they represent the promise of better lives and greater opportunities,” he remarked.
The theme of connection took on special significance as the exhibition coincided with Fiji’s own national unity celebrations. Cultural performances during the opening night added to the festive ambiance, intertwining the celebrations of both nations and underscoring shared values of community and connection as part of the 75th-anniversary reception hosted by the Chinese embassy.
Chen openly discussed the challenges he faced while capturing this photographic journey, noting that navigating the rugged landscape required both physical endurance and financial support for documenting the lengthy bridge construction processes. Despite these challenges, he created powerful images that detail the construction journey from beginning to end.
“The creative process is labor-intensive; it took years to assemble the photographs in the exhibition,” he explained. “Patience is essential when documenting infrastructure, as constructing a single bridge can take several years. Each photograph reflects the hard work and commitment of the engineers and laborers.”
As attendees explored the exhibition, they were encouraged to reflect on the broader societal implications of infrastructure. Chen hopes his work fosters not only appreciation for the craftsmanship in bridge construction but also acknowledgment of the essential role such developments play in driving poverty alleviation and enhancing connectivity.
One standout piece in the exhibition is Chen’s favorite work: a nighttime photograph of the Qian Chun Interchange in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, depicting its intricate design and engineering brilliance. “It symbolizes the lifeblood of the region,” he explained, comparing the bridge’s structure to the flow of life it facilitates.
Looking ahead, Chen envisions future collaborations with local artists in Fiji, concentrating on human interest photography that captures the islands’ natural beauty. The ongoing exhibition at the China Cultural Centre in Suva serves as a powerful reminder of the impactful stories conveyed through photography—narratives that celebrate human perseverance and the bridges that connect us all, both literally and figuratively.