Focus on the world at Shanxi festival
More than 2,000 photographers from 23 countries and regions have gathered at Pingyao, one of China’s best preserved ancient towns, for the 17th Pingyao International Photography Festival, which opened Tuesday.
More than 16,000 photographs are on display at the festival in the northern province of Shanxi.
“It is a unique opportunity to participate in this festival. It is my first trip to China,” said French photographer Philippe Vermes, who is known for his black-and-white portraits.
“Photography is a binding force. It is the reason that we are here today to participate in this diverse and colorful cultural exchange,” he said at the opening ceremony.
Photos by Wang Yuwen that show China’s industrial development are on display in a special zone for Chinese contemporary photography.
This year’s festival also features works by American aerial photographer Jamey Stillings and leading British artist Marcus Lyon.
The latter, in his work Somos Brasil (We are Brazil), documented more than 100 Brazilians through photography, sound and DNA sampling.
There will also be slide shows, videos, workshops, symposiums and forums during the weeklong festival.
Launched in 2001, the festival advocates diversity, internationalism and professionalism.
It is considered an important stage on which international photographers can display their talent.