Last Thursday, the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva hosted a lively event marking the opening of the ‘Fiji Special Exhibition of China Guizhou Bridge Construction Art Photography.’ This exhibition, organized by the China Cultural Centre in Fiji and the Department of Communications of Guizhou Province, commemorates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
The exhibition not only displayed impressive photography but also highlighted the significant impact of infrastructure in one of China’s most mountainous provinces. Over recent years, Guizhou Province in southwestern China has achieved notable progress in establishing a “transportation plain,” integrating its hilly terrain with a network of highways, railways, and bridges. These constructions have greatly improved the lives of local residents, stimulated economic development, and supported poverty reduction efforts.
Curated by Chen Peng, a talented photographer known for documenting industrial advancement, the exhibition featured over 30 photographers whose works showcase the architectural beauty of Guizhou’s bridges. The collection includes stunning aerial images and close-up depictions of daily life in the shadows of these monumental structures, narrating stories of creativity, resilience, and community.
Chen, who began his photographic career in Guizhou five years ago, was originally focused on capturing the province’s cultural elements. However, he soon found inspiration in the majestic mountains and intricate bridges, shifting his focus to the industrial changes shaping the region. “The bridges are not just structures. They are lifelines for the people of Guizhou, connecting isolated communities and enabling progress,” he remarked in an interview.
His photographs invite viewers to appreciate the synergy between nature and human creativity. Each image not only emphasizes the engineering excellence of the bridges but also their importance in the lives of those who depend on them.
The exhibition goes beyond mere photography; it carries a profound message about community and connection. Chen’s work illustrates how bridges symbolize hope and advancement in a region that has faced historical geographic challenges. He noted, “Before these bridges, traveling between villages was a daunting task. Now, they represent the promise of better lives and greater opportunities.”
The themes of connection resonate significantly as the exhibition coincided with Fiji’s national unity celebrations. Cultural performances during the opening contributed to a festive atmosphere, intertwining the celebrations of both nations while emphasizing shared community values and connections.
Chen shared the difficulties encountered during his photographic endeavor. The region’s challenging terrain demanded both physical resilience to traverse the mountains and financial resources to document the extensive bridge construction processes. Despite these challenges, the resulting photographs vividly capture the detailed journey of each project from conception to realization. “The creative process is labor-intensive; compiling the photographs took years,” he mentioned, underlining the patience needed to document infrastructure, as building a single bridge can take several years.
Every photo represents the dedication of the engineers and workers involved. Attendees at the exhibition were invited to contemplate the broader social implications of infrastructure development. Chen hopes his artistic contributions not only foster an appreciation for bridge construction but also underscore the crucial role such developments play in reducing poverty and enhancing connectivity.
Chen has a favorite among the showcased works: a night-time photograph of the Qian Chun Interchange in Guiyang, Guizhou Province. He described it as portraying both intricate design and the life-giving essence of the region, likening its illuminated form against the dark sky to the circulation of life it facilitates.
Looking forward, Chen envisions future projects that would engage with local artists in Fiji, focusing on human-centric photography and capturing the natural beauty of the islands. As the exhibition remains on display at the China Cultural Centre in Suva, it serves as a reminder of the powerful narratives told through photography, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the physical and metaphorical bridges that connect us all.