History of Monuments

Wang Qingsong
History of Monuments

Photographs: Wang Qingsong

Publisher: Editions Bessard

Year: 2012

Comments: Purple linen hardcover leporello in a half-length slipcase. 260 x 160 mm. First edition, 2012. Limited edition of 450 numbered copies. Included in the forthcoming Aperture "The Chinese Photobook, from the 1900's to the Present" curated by Martin Parr & Wassinklundgren.

"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 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 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.