Pingyao Intl Photography Expo set to kick off in September

The 14th China Pingyao International Photography Expo for 2014 will open on Sept 19, in the Old City of Pingyao, Shanxi province, according to a press conference announcement, of May 16, in Taiyuan, the provincial capital, with the theme, "Life of Photography, World of Dreams", pointing to photography's role in interpretation of life, and the dreams of the world.

It is also meant to reflect the expo's desire for "Dialogue and Exchanges", using colorful photography to show the many dimensions of life and, according to Zhang Guotian, art director of this year's expo, will have more content, more varied visual elements, and dialogues and exchanges through the visual arts.

It has invited top photographers from Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia to show their works. Zhang added, explaining that it will have several parts -- photographic arts, academic communications, old photos, photographic items, an awards ceremony, and the presentation of prizes, with 10 international photographic festival heads and exhibition designers helping plan the expo, to better display the characteristics of each country under a strategic plan and framework.

This Photography Expo had its first session in 2001, and is sponsored by the Shanxi Party publicity department, Shanxi culture dep't, Jinzhong municipal Party committee, and Jinzhong municipal government. It has become an important site to encourage photographic and cultural exchanges across the country and around the world.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw