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August 15, 2015

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Photo group finds new angle on reality

By Wang Jie | August 15, 2015, Saturday | Print Edition

ESTABLISHED in 2009, the Guanglu Society is dedicated to promoting abstract photography and expanding the artistic horizons of local shutter bugs.

Now, with a soon-to-be released photo book that includes nearly 200 images from its members, the 29-member society hopes to carry its message to Shanghai’s larger community of photo enthusiasts. Entitled “Experimental Photographic Report,” the book is set to be unveiled at the Shanghai Book Fair on August 20.

Guan Yiming, one of the founders of the Guanglu Society, explained to Shanghai Daily that remarks from a French photographer several years ago inspired him to pursue abstract photography.

“Today, I still clearly remembered what he said to me. He said he was impressed by the technical skills of Chinese photographers,” Guan said. “But it was difficult for him to tell the difference from one Chinese photographers to another, because they all appeared the same. As he saw it at the time, most Chinese photographers lacked a strong individual style.”

Struck by these words, Guan started to think about whether he should abandon photography altogether. Eventually, he decided it was time to take a new approach to his art. It was from this decision that the Guanglu Society was eventually born.

“Creativity and renovation are what energize art,” he said. “Most of my peers use a camera to faithfully record what is in front of their lens, whether it is a landscape or people. When our senses and our logic are frozen, our ability to create with a camera will also be restricted. We need the freedom to go to the limits of what a familiar camera can do.”

Guan shared his thoughts and his passion to push boundaries with some of his friends, and together they founded the Guanglu Society.

Since its founding, the society and its members have taken part in over 20 large-scale exhibitions and events, including the Shanghai International Photo Exhibition and the Pingyao International Photography Festival.

According to Xu Mingsong, one of the society’s members, “abstract art is the reverse of realistic image capturing. All of my abstract images have come from realistic subjects, but light is like a magician in a camera and can bring something spectacular to the eyes.”

In his view, abstract scenes and elements are ubiquitous in reality. Waves in the water, mottled walls, traces of raindrops and ruins at construction sites are all perfect fodder for abstract art.

Many of the Guanglu Society’s members have backgrounds in the arts, including photography and writing. Others are white-collar workers.

“This is also an interesting thing about abstract photograph: everyone can get involved,” said Guan.

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