Except for a bed and a small sofa, all you can see in Li's small house in Beijing are books and traveling bags. Li said his house was just a temporary stop in his life, while his real home is in old houses across the country.
Starting from 1991, Li Yuxiang began to take photos of old houses, and this has lasted for more than 10 years. The photos he has taken record the traditional life of Chinese and unveil the natural beauty of China.
Born in 1962 in Nanjing of East China's Jiangsu Province, Li found the fine arts attractive starting in his childhood, and always dreamed of becoming a painter. He often traveled to the riverside towns in East China to to paint, and occasionally took some pictures. In 1991 he was asked to take photos for the Old House Series, an event arranged by the Jiangsu Fine Arts Press, beginning Li's photography career.
Most of the old houses have come down now and stand in remote areas. In order to take photos, Li Yuxiang often had to walk long distances over hill and dale. Li would occasionally encounter various dangers, including gangs. But all of this hardship didn't hold Li back. He has been sticking to his job the whole time, because he loves it. There is a belief in his heart: these documentary photos are impressive, going beyond time and space. They can preserve the real life and customs of people that are truly worthy of recording.
Now he's a member of the China Photographers Society. His works have won many prizes in many exhibitions, competitions and magazines. Li had his photographic exhibition held both at home and abroad, to a warm reception. Li is more concerned with people's life and thoughts, which he wishes to record through his camera.
(chinaculture July 12, 2006)
