China

Conner's photographs provide glimpses into China that most images or photographers seem to hurry or miss. The clarity of image, the use of B & W, the huge format camera provide the format of a Chinese painting and somehow, the accumulated images give me an impression of China that is vast, exotic, laden with dust and reality, life and vitality. There is a solemn appreciation for the grand nature of this land. I have had this book for a couple years now and every month or so I review the pages in this book and find new meaning. Maybe the juxtaposition with other images or my own perceptions changes as well with time? But what I find remarkable is the clarity of thought behind the images. This book provides me with continued enjoyment and I am sure most who are interested in understanding China will enjoy this book as well.

Imagine if Ansel Adams had been interested in the interaction of nature and people in landscapes rather than the wilderness. Then, imagine that he had traveled widely in China from 1984 to 1999 to capture the country's image, history, and culture. Add a banquet camera and platinum printing using the tritone process. This will begin to give you an idea of what this book contains. I was entranced by these images of what I have not yet seen . . . but now better understand. Ms. Conner brings several perspectives to her photographs that I found rewarding. First, the horizontal rectangles of the banquet camera remind me of a finely detailed scroll. Immediately, the images bring new understanding to much traditional Chinese art as well as to the impact that landscape has had on Chinese culture. Second, the interaction of people and nature create interesting thoughts for the viewer. Why is human orderliness so much less attractive than the less regular pulses of nature? Third, the people feel like they are in the room with you, providing the basis for potentially having a conversation. What do they think of photography? What do they think of those who will see the photographs? What message would they like to send? What messages have they sent? Fourth, history comes to life with the places. You see the desert boundaries of a dynasty. You see the political stage upon which a government exults in itself. The echoes of foreign domination linger on in other images. So, although these images do not have texts accompanying each one, they carry eloquent messages to both the casual and the careful observer. A helpful foreword by Jonathan Spence, thoughtful essay by Geremie R. Barme, and self-reflective notes by Ms. Conner add to the viewer's understanding of the intriguing, and often breathtaking, scenes. As in the best photography books, this one uses facing pages well to create contrasts, dialogue, and new thoughts. The quality of the paper and the printing of the images are superb. Usually, I am moved to pick out a few images for special mention as being the most outstanding. I did not have that reaction to this volume. I felt that almost every image was outstanding. Collectively, they tell a vastly more interesting story than they do individually. In total, there is an impression of China as it has been, is now, and is becoming that are vastly more indelible than the last ten books you could have read about China. After you finish enjoying this wonderful volume several times, think about where else photographs could add depth of understanding that other ways of characterizing something could not. How can you use photographs to help others understand important lessons in those situations?Press in all directions to expose new dimensions of reality!

Wonderful! Having recently travelled to China and seen the still hidden and truelly communist parts of the country I thought that the book did great justice to the country and the people. I felt as if I were back in China as I read further and further into the book! I would recommend reading this book to accent a trip to China. Knowing the history and having a feel for the country before travelling is imperative for a successful journey. ENJOY!