Edition 2011

Wang Qingsong

The history of monuments

Since August 2009, I started to work with two hundred models over fif- teen days, shooting the 42-metre-long History of Monuments. This work is my reflection on what is told about civilisations, beauties, virtues, stan- dards and norms... The models are smeared with mud and placed into the
carved out contours of the photo backdrop. Chinese traditions are handed down from generation to generation with many documents on the historical figures, poetries, literature, dramas, etc. Often the power- ful people like to summarize their achievements during their reign times. So each dynasty has its interpretations of its dynasty and the former dynasties. It is undeniable that many such versions are misguided.
Wang Qingsong
Since August 2009, I started to work with two hundred models over fifteen days, shooting the 42-metre-long History of Monuments. This work is my reflection on what is told about civilisations, beauties, virtues, standards and norms... The models are smeared with mud and placed into thecarved out contours of the photo backdrop. Chinese traditions are handed down from generation to generation with many documents on the historical figures, poetries, literature, dramas, etc. Often the powerful people like to summarize their achievements during their reign times. So each dynasty has its interpretations of its dynasty and the former dynasties. It is undeniable that many such versions are misguided.

Wang Qingsong

Prints by Picto, Paris.
Exhibition produced with the support of BMW. Exhibition venue: église des Trinitaires.
Prints by Picto, Paris.
Exhibition produced with the support of BMW.
Exhibition venue: église des Trinitaires.

  • Institutional partners

    • République Française
    • Région Provence Alpes Côté d'Azur
    • Département des Bouches du Rhône
    • Arles
    • Le Centre des monuments nationaux est heureux de soutenir les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles en accueillant des expositions dans l’abbaye de Montmajour
  • Main partners

    • Fondation LUMA
    • BMW
    • SNCF
    • Kering
  • Media partners

    • Arte
    • Lci
    • Konbini
    • Le Point
    • Madame Figaro
    • France Culture