Zooming In

"Zooming In" by Wu Hung is an illuminating exploration of the diverse and complex history of photography in China, spanning from the 1860s to the present day. This comprehensive book delves into how photography has played a crucial role in representing China’s collective history, memory, and cultural identity, while also examining the various sociopolitical contexts that have influenced photographic practices in the country.

Starting with the earliest photographic records made by Western travelers, "Zooming In" traces the evolution of photography in China, highlighting key periods such as the doctored portraits of Chairman Mao, the shifts during the Cultural Revolution, and the avant-garde photographic performances that emerged in the post-Cultural Revolution era. Wu Hung offers a profound analysis of how photography has been used not only as a tool for documentation but also as a medium for artistic expression and political commentary.

At the heart of this book is a critical question: How has photography depicted China and its people, and how have Chinese photographers used this medium to explore and express their creative visions? Wu Hung addresses this by providing an in-depth study of selected photographers, themes, and movements, encompassing a wide range of genres such as portraiture, photojournalism, architectural photography, landscape photography, and conceptual photography.

Beautifully illustrated with a rich collection of photographs, "Zooming In" offers readers a multifaceted view of Chinese photography, shedding light on the technologies, aesthetics, and artistic movements that have shaped its development. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in Chinese art history, photography, and the dynamic interplay between visual culture and sociopolitical change in China.

Key Features:

1. Comprehensive Historical Analysis: "Zooming In" provides a detailed examination of the history of photography in China, covering key periods from the 1860s to contemporary times.
   
2. Exploration of Sociopolitical Contexts: The book explores how photography in China has been shaped by shifting sociopolitical contexts, including the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath.
   
3. Focus on Chinese Photographers: Wu Hung offers in-depth studies of significant Chinese photographers, highlighting their contributions to the medium and their creative expression.
   
4. Diverse Photographic Genres: The book covers a wide range of photographic genres, including portraiture, photojournalism, architectural and landscape photography, and conceptual photography.
   
5. Artistic Movements and Technologies: "Zooming In" examines the various artistic movements and technological advancements that have influenced photographic production in China.
   
6. Beautifully Illustrated: The book is richly illustrated with a collection of photographs that visually narrate the history and evolution of Chinese photography.
   
7. Critical Question: At its core, the book addresses how photography has represented China’s people, history, and collective memory, offering profound insights into the cultural significance of the medium.
   
8. Chinese Art History: "Zooming In" is an essential resource for understanding the broader context of Chinese art history and the role of photography within it.
   
9. For Art and Photography Enthusiasts: This book is ideal for art historians, photography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Chinese culture and visual arts.
   
10. Authored by Wu Hung: Written by a leading scholar in Chinese art history, "Zooming In" offers authoritative and insightful perspectives on the subject.
    

Discover the rich and varied history of photography in China with "Zooming In" by Wu Hung. This comprehensive book offers an in-depth look at how photography has documented and shaped Chinese culture, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of art, history, and visual culture.

Description:

From the first sets of photographic records made by Western travelers to doctored portraits of Chairman Mao and the avant-garde photographic performances of the post Cultural Revolution era, photography in China has followed divergent paths. In this book, Wu Hung explores the multiple histories of photographic production in China, using them to tell a larger story about China s shifting sociopolitical contexts and the different agendas, technologies, and aesthetics that have helped define its arts. At the center of the book is a large question: how has photography represented China and its people, its collective history and memory as well as the diversity of Chinese artists who have striven for creative expression? To address this question, the author offers an in-depth study of selected photographers, themes, and movements in Chinese photography from 1860 to the present, covering a wide range of genres, including portraiture, photojournalism, architectural and landscape photography, and conceptual photography. Beautifully illustrated, this book offers a multifaceted and in-depth analysis of an important photographic history. "