A visitor looks at photos of Hungary at the exhibition Images from the Red Nations. (Ruan Fan/chinadaily.com.cn)
Pledge said that Liu's photos express a form of nostalgia, which is reflected through the sheer accumulation of multiple "fragments of superficial impressions".
The curator chose 200 photos from the over 200,000 "fragments" Liu had captured, hoping to present a more objective view of the countries.
He also went out of his way to make the exhibition more appealing, projecting pictures over cubic boxes aside from just hanging them on the walls and providing a special section where songs from the former Soviet Union are played over the projections.
The photos form a small kaleidoscope for audiences to catch a glimpse of the red nations. "It might also have research significance in sociology and anthropology," said Yin Dejian, publisher of the photo album of the exhibition.
"We might not fully comprehend the implications and the significance of these pictures, but who knows, ten or twenty years later, they might speak for themselves," Yin said.
What critics say
Yang Dazhou (photographer)
Some of Liu Yuan's photos are quite contagious, and most are shot quite at will. They may not surprise you as art pieces. But for capturing the individual lives, and how such lives connect to the patterns of human life, they might inspire you. Liu's photos emphasize his personal feelings, they are a sheer representation of his lifestyle and life attitude. It has surpassed a utilitarian pursuit of taking so-called "good photos".
Li Shufeng (Head of Institute of Photography, Chinese National Academy of Arts)
Liu Yuan takes photos of anything which intrigues him. He is the least biased in choosing his subjects. He shoots from sites of historical significance to things happening right now, in the moment. He shoots people of all social hierarchies. He does not look up to developed countries, nor does he look down upon underprivileged countries. He always confronts the truths, the facts as they are.
Chen Bo (Photographing theorist)
One can never produce good photos if one has not endured any hardships, or has never been shocked in one's heart and soul. Suffering in Liu's early years has shaped his thoughts and emotions, and made his very unique aesthetics and sentiments. Liu tried to comprehend the conditions of people that share similar experiences with him, showing deep concern for people who are living in dire straits. This is one way he distinguishes himself from other photographers.
If you go
10 am-6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, through May 11. Inter Art Gallery, Sevenstar Main Street, 798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang district. 010-5978 9029.
