Brief Introduction

The advent of photography in the 19th century was an unparalleled revolution that made it possible for people in different places to see other parts of the world. Therefore, photography was dubbed the window of the world.

This book, entitled, Focus on China, includes select photos by 13 photographers from different countries who were invited to China by the Ministry of Culture. Their fine works captured their concern, hospitality and love for China and its people. For example, Zhangjiajie and Early Morning by Sitki Firat (Turkey) offer tranquil and misty scenes; Little Girl, Naval Officers in the National Day Parade, Time·Knowledge·Information, and Plaza by Paul Chesley (US) are full of visual power; Dialogue Between the Past and the Present by Victor Vasilievich Akhlomov (Russia) combine reportage with literary styles; China Impression series by Heinz Cbulka (Austria) exhibit the unique comparative sense of abstraction and reality; Sculptors and their Workshops by Fux (Austria) expresses the mental communication between artists; Scenery in the West by Siegfried (Australia) demonstrates the dialogue between artist and nature; An Old Man in the Field by Gehman (US) demonstrates a clear-cut style. A View in the Rain, The Home of Hakka People, Old Couple by Saitoyasuichi (Japan) express the concern for humanity; Window, To a Far-Away Place, Snooker in the Sunshine and Perspective by Vincent Mentzel (the Netherlands) show his talents in portrait photography; Newly-wed and Collector Badge by Karol Benicky (Czech Republic) manifest his realistic style; Giant Panda and its Friend by Philip Harvey (France) reveals a fresh and beautiful style.

The works are ingenious in concept, unique in style and impressive in visual effects. Simple, bright, honest, lively and implicative, they exhibit the typical and magnificent China and the diligence and kindness of the Chinese people.