Zhang Xiao: Community Fire

Photographer Zhang Xiao explores Shehuo, a Chinese Spring Festival tradition celebrated in rural Northern Chinese communities, which has become a tourist-facing, consumption-oriented enterprise. Zhang's photographs capture how mass-produced substitutions have transformed the practice of Shehuo.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Aperture

In his project, Community Fire, photographer Zhang Xiao delves into the vibrant and captivating world of Shehuo, a Chinese Spring Festival tradition celebrated in rural Northern Chinese communities. Shehuo, meaning "community fire," is a deeply rooted cultural practice dedicated to the worship of land and fire, with a history spanning thousands of years. During the festival, people gather to hold ceremonies, pray for a bountiful harvest, and confer blessings of peace and safety upon their family members. However, what was once a diverse and heterogeneous cultural tradition with regional variations has gradually transformed into a tourist-oriented enterprise. In the early 2000s, Shehuo received the designation of "intangible cultural heritage" from the People's Republic of China, leading to increased funding in exchange for greater government involvement. While this change has altered the relationship between practitioners and Shehuo, it is most evident in the visual transformation of costumes and props. Zhang's vibrant and fantastical photographs capture the impact of these mass-produced substitutions, showcasing how they have altered the practice of Shehuo and transformed its traditional essence. Community Fire, featuring essays in English and Chinese, offers a comprehensive exploration of this ancient tradition, providing a deeper understanding of its historical significance and its evolving nature in contemporary society.

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 187 x 243 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781597115452
Edition number: Bilingual ed