FRAGRANCE of THE
NIGHT MARKET
a photographic collection
About the Series
After the economic upswing in China, much has changed. These changes and the fading of the old culture are also noticeable in everyday life. Night markets that once played a central role in chinese nightlife are disappearing. These bazaars brought together locals for exchanging ideas and selling goods such as fruit, vegetables, snacks, toys, clothes, movie discs and ornaments at cheap prices. The former ideals and traditions can still be seen in those living on the fringes of society. Unfortunately, they struggle with their existence.
The goal of the present work is to record the final moments, memories, and imprints of a night market to preserve a piece of history before it is lost forever. The emergence of beauty in the struggle for existence is intended. Thus, the importance of these memorabilia my grandmother remembers so vividly is underscored with aesthetics.
Jilin City 吉林市,China
Near the Songhua river lies the province Jilin that shares a border with North Korea. The city was founded as a garison for the army in 1673. The heavy industrialisation is attributed to the japanese imperial army occupation, who used Jilin as their raw material storehouse. Now the city is home to iron and steel processing factories and the chemical industry.
This weary past has shaped the populations mindset. My grandmother always emphasized self-discipline and the importance of dedication to hard work, which essentially formed the foundation of todays society. Precisely this work ethic is observed in the chinese that work tirelessly through the night.
