In the 1930s, Canadian author William Cecil McGrath published a book titled “A Personal Experience in the Dragon Kingdom,” which quickly captured international attention. This work includes over a hundred historic photographs of Lishui in Zhejiang Province, showcasing the area’s transportation, the stunning Oujiang River, and the unique customs from nearly a century ago.

The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and through these photographs, the lush southwestern region of Zhejiang has been linked to distant places for generations. Since 2004, Lishui has utilized events such as the Lishui Photography Festival and the World Photography Conference to further highlight its beauty and enhance global understanding.

As time has passed, the city’s ambitions in photography have evolved from basic self-promotion to fostering deeper global connections. Today, renowned artists share their insights, and exhibitions address pressing social issues, positioning this city as a pivotal player in the global photography community.

At the 2023 Lishui Photography Festival, photography enthusiast Wang Yue from Hangzhou expressed his admiration for Stephen Shore, a trailblazer of the American “New Color Photography” movement from the 1970s. “Shore’s work is marked by constant innovation at every step of his creative process. His dedication to learning and refining his craft is something every photographer should aspire to,” Wang noted.

Shore, who holds considerable influence in the worldwide photography scene, chose Lishui for his first major exhibition in China, offering a comprehensive showcase of his life’s work. This attracted many professional photographers and enthusiasts eager to experience his artistry firsthand.

“As we gather together, inspired by masters like Shore, we create a platform for artistic dialogue that propels photography forward,” Wang remarked. Looking ahead, Lishui plans to host significant events in 2024, including an exhibition featuring over 100 selected works from the esteemed South African artist and international photography master, Roger Ballen.

Ballen’s extensive body of work, spanning over 50 years, is housed in more than 50 elite museums worldwide. He is known for expanding visual language by blending painting with photography and video, exploring the infinite possibilities of art. “Roger Ballen has shown a keen interest in Lishui’s new photography cultural center and has actively proposed to hold an exhibition there,” shared Wang Xueke, a member of the Photography Conference organizing committee. “He is deeply involved in the preparations and is handpicking both recent and classic pieces.”

The creative sparks of artistic exchange are blazing brighter than ever under one roof. The conference will also feature a special international exhibition called “From Influence to Breakthrough,” showcasing the works of four photographers—Zong Ning, Qiu Minye, Hong Chengxin, and Tomasz Kowalski—who have all drawn significant inspiration from Ballen.

Wang Peiquan, Deputy Director of the Lishui Municipal Publicity Department and head of the Photo Conference Organizing Committee, explained that these four photographers will offer their unique interpretations of Ballen’s blended artistic styles. “This innovative exhibition format represents a fresh angle and will truly stand out at the 2024 FIAP Lishui World Photography Conference,” he added.

Photography transcends mere aesthetics; it serves as a lens for reflecting reality. “Photography invites profound contemplation of the moments we capture through the viewfinder,” said renowned photographer Abbas, succinctly capturing its essence.

So, what themes should contemporary photography focus on? Lishui is seeking answers on a global scale. With the rise of AI and its transformative effects on life, work, and social order, photography is no exception. The 2023 Lishui Photography Festival introduced an AI Image Art Award, fostering discussions and presentations around the application and development trends of AI in visual arts.

“Photography’s evolution is intertwined with technological advancements. The emergence of AI heralds a new historical transformation, following the shifts caused by film and digital technology,” noted Wang Peiquan. During the 2024 FIAP Lishui World Photography Conference, experts from the International Federation of Photographic Art will engage in a seminar titled “Revisiting Images in the AI Era: Development and Reflection,” aiming to forge new understandings of AI in photography.

The main sessions of the conference are expected to welcome representatives from around 30 countries and regions, providing a platform for keynote speeches on “Innovations and Expansions of Contemporary Photography in the Context of Digital Technology,” which will showcase and explore the latest trends and ideas in photography.

From technology to tradition, this year’s Photography Conference will also emphasize intangible cultural heritage with a special exhibition titled “Historical Genes and Cultural Inheritance.” Photographers and scholars will delve into how imagery can protect and promote this heritage, bridging the gap between traditional culture and modern civilization.

Statistics indicate that the 2024 FIAP Lishui World Photography Conference will feature 2,656 photographers from 116 countries and regions, with 568 exhibitions displaying a total of 10,087 photographic works—setting new records for participation and submissions. Photography remains a “language without borders.” In Lishui’s stunning landscapes, it cultivates a growing global understanding.