Last week, the China Cultural Centre in Fiji and the Department of Communications of Guizhou Province hosted the ‘Fiji Special Exhibition of China Guizhou Bridge Construction Art Photography’ at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. This event not only showcased remarkable photography but also highlighted the significant impact of infrastructure in one of China’s most mountainous areas.
Guizhou Province, known for its rugged landscape, has made significant progress in establishing a “transportation plain” by developing a network of highways, railways, and bridges to connect its challenging terrain. These projects have transformed local lives, fueled economic growth, and contributed to poverty reduction efforts.
Curated by Chen Peng, a seasoned photographer with extensive experience in documenting industrial developments, the exhibition features over 30 photographers who capture the architectural beauty of Guizhou’s bridges. The images range from stunning aerial photographs to candid depictions of daily life under these engineering marvels, telling a story of innovation, determination, and community.
Chen Peng, who began his photography career in Guizhou five years ago, initially set out to document the province’s culture. However, the impressive mountains and complex bridge structures inspired him to focus on the region’s industrial transformation. He emphasized that the bridges are essential lifelines for Guizhou’s residents, connecting isolated areas and driving progress.
The exhibition conveys a broad theme of connectivity and community beyond just a visual showcase. Chen’s work illustrates how bridges embody hope and progress in a region previously challenged by geographic isolation. He remarked on the transformative nature of these projects, which have made travel between villages significantly easier.
Coinciding with Fiji’s own celebrations of national unity, the exhibition’s opening was enriched by cultural performances, uniting the festive spirits of both nations while emphasizing shared values during the 75th-anniversary reception hosted by the Chinese embassy.
Despite facing challenges throughout his photographic endeavor, including navigating difficult terrains and securing financial resources, Chen’s images effectively captured the extensive efforts involved in these construction projects. He noted that recording the life cycle of a bridge can take years and that each photograph represents the dedication of engineers and laborers.
As attendees explored the exhibition, they were encouraged to contemplate the broader societal implications of infrastructure. Chen hopes his work will foster appreciation for bridge construction artistry and a better understanding of its crucial role in poverty alleviation and enhanced connectivity.
One standout piece from the exhibition is a nocturnal photograph of the Qian Chun Interchange in Guiyang, which Chen described as resembling a living organism against the night sky. He emphasized its symbolic connection to the region’s vitality and the life it supports.
Looking ahead, Chen plans to collaborate with local artists in Fiji, focusing on human interest photography that captures the islands’ natural beauty. The ongoing exhibition at the China Cultural Centre in Suva serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful stories captured in photography—highlighting the human spirit and the bridges that connect us all, both literally and figuratively.