Hutong - Beijing alleyways lined by traditional courtyard houses - have been the centre of daily life since the city was built in the Yuan dynasty in the 14th century. Life in Hutong is characterised by connection and movement, and yet has an easy tranquility. Beijing, like most cities of China, has been changing rapidly. Many Hutong have been demolished in the wake of modernisation and have been replaced by office towers and modern hotels.
Through the eyes of Xu Yong, we travel slowly through Hutong, in rain, in snow and the afternoon sun, and we see what remains of their disappearing charm. His black and white images reveal the sadness and beauty of Hutong.
These photographs were taken 27 years ago. This is the first time they have been shown in Australia.
Xu Yong 徐勇 ( b. 1954), is a pioneer of contemporary art in China and was involved in initiating the Beijing 798 Art District. His photographic artworks have been exhibited internationally, including solo exhibitions in London, Germany, Swiss, Netherlands, Korea, Taiwan. He has published more than 10 books on photographic art.
