Shehuo: Zhang Xiao’s Photography of Rural China

In this conversation with artist and scholar Ou Ning on Thursday, May 11, contemporary photographer Zhang Xiao will share his aesthetic approach to documenting Shehuo (社火, “community fire”), a cultural festival held in Northern China that commemorates the Chinese Lunar New Year. Zhang explores the impact of rapid economic change and urbanization on Chinese rural landscapes and traditions though photography. From 2007 to 2019, Zhang photographed the dynamic performances and parades that are part of Shehuo, capturing their beauty and intricacy, while also noting how China’s economic and technological growth has influenced this ancient celebration. The images will be featured in the exhibition "Shehuo: Community Fire" opening Saturday, May 13 at the Peabody Museum. This talk is presented in Mandarin with English translation.

A reception and exhibition preview will follow in the galleries of the Peabody Museum. Free parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. This program is presented by Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology and Harvard Museums of Science & Culture in collaboration with the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies. This event is part of ArtsThursdays, a university-wide initiative supported by Harvard University Committee on the Arts (HUCA).