sitter
B/w the later nineteenth to early twentieth century, several Cantonese posed as sitters for M. Miller. The black and white photographs showed their dragon/phoenix robes signifying their wealth, their postures and expressions stiff and built frail. What was most striking was their hollow looks which I am unable to describe and understand. The sick body is a microscopic reflection of the sick, big-headed state. We say the art of photography captures the moment, but China remained static for thousands of years, and eventually someone not only had to open its closed door but bring greater upheaval. The book, Imperial China: Photographs 1850-1912, was one of the shop's latest acquisition. Besides people, there are astonishing pictures of old Shanghai, Beijing and HK city scenery which I would very much like to show HY, to see if he recognises any of them. One photo depicted a torture ground with 3 to 4 bodies without heads... Honestly, looking at these photos of imperial China makes me feel more unease than looking at pictures of the West.