In a big, busy city like Beijing, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind – we focus on our phones on our daily commute, tuning out everything and everyone as we go about our daily lives. Sometimes it’s nice to stop and take in the city we call home, maybe even document what we see with a snapshot.
This is the approach of LS Leea British expat and photographer whose works are now exhibited at Aotu Room.
Lee is an observer in a sometimes unpredictable city and tries to capture the small moments in Beijing with his photographs. His current exhibition entitled Beijing to Beijingcontinues the themes Lee has presented in previous exhibitions, focusing on intimate moments and the people of the city, this time with a surprising twist.
“The color photographs are a kind of respite from the directness and intensity of the black and white images,” the artist explains the decision to include color photographs in the exhibition. In contrast to the black and white photos, which show people on an intimate level, the color photos show still lifes and deliberately avoid the direct depiction of people.
In this way, the color photographs serve as a means for Lee and the audience to surface and take a breath, he explains, adding that it is like “escaping the noise and clutter of people, which is something we all need from time to time.”
In addition to the color photos, the number of black-and-white photos in the exhibition space has also increased since his last show, says Lee, so that one can gain more insight into life in Beijing.
Of all the photos on display, Lee likes the ones with children the most. “Children are always real, sincere and, above all, playful,” he tells us. “It’s always a joy to see that and to capture it on camera.”
LS Lee’s Beijing to Beijing is on display at Aotu Space from now until Sunday, September 1. The venue is open daily from 12pm to 10pm. Admission is free.
Aotu Room
67 Beixinqiao Toutiao, Dongcheng District
Chinese New Year celebration in Beijing, China, June 67
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Photos courtesy of LS Lee
