Shanxi

Xiao Zhang
Shanxi
Photographs: Xiao Zhang
Publisher: Little Big Man
Pictures: 59
Year: 2013
Comments: Hardcover under dust jacket, 230 x 245 mm. First edition, 2013. Edition limited to 300 copies. Like new. Already out of print!
"These photographs were taken in Shanxi Province in northwest China. They document old customs originating from pagan ritual practices. They are, in effect, a voodoo-esque form of totem worship. A number of these ancient customs still survive and remain some of the most important cultural practices during the Lunar New Year throughout most of Shanxi. It appears that the participants have created a dramatic and otherworldly stage—dressing in stunning costumes and exquisitely painting their faces to represent the identities of Gods otherwise long forgotten.
When I first witnessed the participants line up and then parade around the village, I repeatedly kept asking myself whether I had literally stepped into some sort of wonderland. The scenes I gazed at were far too bizarre and illusionary to be connected to events in the real world. Compared with the monotony of their usual rural lives, everyone involved into these celebrations transformed into something quite extraordinary—appearing no longer as mere peasants, but as powerful Gods from ancient mythology.With every glimpse of the unfolding events, I saw an overwhelming sense of joy and happiness that saturated the atmosphere and I tried not to disturb this beautiful dream state I found myself in. I truly hoped that I would never wake up."














more books tagged »little big man« | >> see all
more books tagged »china« | >> see all
-
Le petit livre rouge d’un photographe chinois
by Li Zhensheng
Euro 30 -
APPROXIMATE JOY
by Christopher Anderson
sold -
UNTIL DEATH DO US PART (First edt Signed)
by Thomas Sauvin
sold -
This Face
by Xu Yong
sold -
East Wind West Wind
by Bertien van Manen
sold -
I CINESI
by Caio Garrubba
sold
more books tagged »out of print « | >> see all
-
01) The Significant Savages
by Gregoire Pujade - Lauraine
Euro 150 -
City Diary
by Anders Petersen
sold -
The Atmosphere of Crime, 1957
by Gordon Parks
sold -
Öglunda (SIGNED)
by Gerry Johansson
sold -
Divendal
by Leo Divendal
Euro 25 -
Hong Kong Walled City 2002-2007
by Kan Tai Wong
sold
Books from the Virtual Bookshelf josefchladek.com