Thank you folks. While I don't like the thought of the process taking over, the process certianly has had a hand in the over look and feel to the images.
Here is the full press release:
It has taken a bit more than a year, but my portfolios from China are finally online. They contain thirty-eight images from a collection of over three hundred that represent my second trip to China and include areas of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Maccau, and Ba Guang.
Ba Guang is a small fishing village with a rich history and a small population of town folk who are fighting to keep a way of life that has existed for more generations than the Americas have been settled. It is in danger of being destroyed and replaced with modern condos because of its desirable location for newly prosperous weekend vacationers. The second group of images are from the surrounding areas, ranging from Macau to Hong Kong, that demonstrate the growth of the middle class and the resulting economic changes that are driving a new social order.
This body of work takes a perceptual view of complex social issues in China, a place of great beauty and voracious population and economic growth. China is rapidly developing a middle class for the first time in its history. In an extremely short span of time, China has experienced environmental and social changes of a greater magnitude than we have ever seen in the United States.
This collection was created using a Mamiya 7II and an 80mm lens. While I usually use a larger format, I needed a little more mobility in tighter spaces on this trip. These images were printed using a lith process and toned with a special formulation which includes the use of Kodak Polytoner. The images display a rich palette of yellow, blue, purple, red, and various shades of black, enhancing their powerful and compelling message.
This is a bit of a preview, as I have some work yet to do. It can be accessed by clicking on this link...
http://www.roberthall.com/china
I plan on giving it some time to sit and maybe make a change or two before it hits prime time. I am working with west coast museums -- Santa Barbara MOA and San Diego MOMA -- to show this body of work. I believe it will fuel conversations that will help us understand other cultures, issues we face in our own countries, and the global community at large. I welcome your comments and look forward to an ongoing dialogue.
I hope you are well and that you enjoy this collection.
Sincerely,
Robert