Picturing World Cultures: Mark Leong – China

In today’s podcast, we sit down with Mark Leong, a fifth-generation Chinese-American photographer, for Picturing World Cultures.

Above photograph © Mark Leong

From his arrival in 1980s Beijing on a one-year travel fellowship, to his decision to live and work there long-term over the following decades, we follow Mark’s path from his ancestral village to the Beijing art scene, and beyond.

He walks us through his experiences in documenting the massive cultural shifts as Chinese society transitioned from uniformity and limited choice to a realm of consumerism and increasing globalization.

We also discuss Mark’s long-term photographic project featuring China’s Post-90’s generation, the young adults born under the country’s one-child policy.

As Mark points out toward the end of our chat, “What’s interesting to me about this generation I’m photographing is that they have this kind of creativity, and they have the resources to use this creativity to make something.”

If you haven’t already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.

Guest: Mark Leong

For more information about our guest and the gear he uses, see: https:/www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-mark-leong-china

Stay Connected:

Mark Leong Website: https://www.markleongphotography.com/

Mark Leong on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markleongphotography/

Mark Leong on Redux Website: https://reduxpictures.com/artist/mark-leong

Mark Leong’s book China Obscura: https://www.amazon.com/China-Obscura-Mark-Leong/dp/0811844617

Mark Leong’s Award from Center: https://centersantafe.org/comingofage