Little China

Photography

I left my native country of China at the age of 18, and have since lived in America and now in Europe. Wherever I go, I often find myself drawn to Chinatowns, as they offer a sense of connection to my cultural roots.

Yet visiting these neighborhoods has always been a somewhat surreal, even disorienting, experience. On one hand, I'm able to encounter various familiar aspects of Chinese culture: authentic food from my region, shop signs written in Chinese, and traditional festivities that remind me of my childhood. On the other hand, despite the name "Chinatown", these neighborhoods bear little resemblance to the modern China I know. Instead, they represent a unique blend of Chinese and local influences, having evolved into distinct cultural enclaves of their own.

This series features photographs taken during my visits to various Chinatowns across America and Europe over the years. Through street photography, I intend to explore these neighborhoods through two different perspectives. The first is a more personal and nostalgic look, where I'm reacting to the familiar or the uncanny cultural elements, reflecting my own emotional response to these places. The second is more observational, where I'm interested in highlighting the fusion between cultures that has shaped the urban landscape and identity of each Chinatown.

This project was awarded “Artistic Recognition” by Harry Gruyaert at Trieste Photo Days 2024.

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