Time:Saturday, August 24, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 2121 W. Mission Road, Suite 101, Alhambra, CA 91803
On August 24, 2024, the “Taste China: A Journey with World-Class Photographers” Photography Showcase, organized by CCDC, concluded successfully in Alhambra. The salon not only featured four renowned American photographers but also attracted many photography enthusiasts and cultural aficionados. Through the photographers’ lenses, the audience was transported on a unique visual journey through Sichuan.
The theme of this salon was “Taste Sichuan: An Adventure Through Photography,” focusing on the collision and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Pulitzer Prize winner Nick Ut, Ringo Chiu, and well-known American photographers Irfan Khan and Michael Nelson led the audience on an exciting journey through Sichuan. Their cameras captured the essence of Sichuan, including its culinary delights, magnificent natural landscapes, ancient historical sites, and the warmth of its residents, vividly presenting a rich and colorful Sichuan.
During the event, CCDC’s Executive Director, Donghai Xu, shared his reflections on the 8-day journey through Sichuan with these photographers. Though two months have passed, he mentioned that those wonderful days, every photo, and every meal are still fresh in his memory. This journey not only deepened their friendships but also allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of each other. The audience could feel the passion and creativity that these photographers brought to every moment in Sichuan.
The salon was filled with a lively atmosphere as the audience experienced the unique charm of Sichuan’s culture through the photographers’ stories. Ringo Chiu’s recollections of photographing street food in Chengdu brought smiles to the audience, while Nick Ut’s stories behind his photos elicited rounds of applause. These authentic stories allowed the audience to see not only the images but also the photographers’ nuanced observations and deep understanding of the culture during their creative process.
“Sichuan’s cuisine is truly unforgettable,” one attendee remarked after the salon, “but what moved me more was the warmth and realness of the Sichuanese people as captured through the photographers’ lenses.” Another photography enthusiast praised, “Through their work, I felt like I had traveled to Sichuan myself. This cultural experience is truly precious.”
During the salon, the photographers delved into their experiences and creative inspirations while shooting in Sichuan, discussing everything from capturing light and shadow to expressing emotions, leaving the audience deeply inspired. Irfan Khan emphasized that while Sichuan’s stunning natural landscapes captivated him, it was the warmth and sincerity of the Sichuanese people that left a lasting impression. Michael Nelson expressed that this journey deepened his understanding of Chinese culture, and he hopes to showcase a genuine and multifaceted China to American audiences through these works.
CCDC has long been committed to promoting cultural exchange between China and the United States. This photography salon was not only a brilliant presentation of Chinese culture but also a cultural journey that connected hearts. Taste China project will continue and expand to other destinations, with the hope that more people can experience the charm of China through these photographic works.