ShijiaSong

Over the past decade, my camera has been a constant companion, bearing witness to the countless moments I have captured. These photographs are more than mere records of light and shadow—they represent my way of observing the world, serving as a bridge between myself and reality. Each time I press the shutter, it becomes an act of reflection, a means of exploring and articulating my understanding of the world.

In the beginning, the camera functioned simply as my eyes, enabling me to freeze fleeting moments in time. Gradually, it evolved into a language of its own—one that allowed me to express emotion and convey thought in silence. I began to focus on individuals within crowds, the overlooked corners of cities, the traces left behind by history, and the truths intentionally hidden. My lens became a tool for discerning order within chaos, capturing silence amidst noise, and seeking truth in spaces marked by taboo.

From the streets of China to galleries abroad, my work has traversed varied social and geographical contexts. Through photography, I engage in dialogue with society, revealing narratives that are often relegated to the margins. This process has taught me that photography is not solely about observation—it is about participation. It is an active gesture, capable of amplifying unheard voices, reviving forgotten histories, and providing an outlet for suppressed emotions.

Over time, my practice has shifted from simply documenting what I see to expressing what I think. I have begun to experiment with new forms of presentation, delving into the intersection of imagery and politics. By challenging conventional aesthetic boundaries, I strive to transform photography into a medium that provokes thought and invites critical engagement. To me, photography is not just an art form—it is a stance, a responsibility, and a powerful way of engaging with the world.

Through these images, I have gradually found my voice—and, in doing so, found my place.

Moving into Beijing’s Second Ring Road (North) 《搬进北二环》

2021

84.1cm x 59.4cm

Photography

Description (200-300 words): The subjects of this photographic series are my aunt, uncle, and their family. In order to secure a place for their child at a better school, they had to transfer their household registration (hukou) from Chaoyang District outside Beijing’s Fifth Ring Road (the outskirts) to Xicheng District within the Second Ring Road (the city center). This relocation was not simply about moving houses—it reflects the deep-rooted inequalities in China’s education system. To meet the admission requirements, they were forced to sell their larger home and purchase a much smaller one, making this difficult but necessary move.

Such relocations are a common phenomenon in China. Families move from smaller cities to larger ones, or from the suburbs to the urban core, often at great emotional and financial cost. In China, moving house is not merely a matter of geography; it is entangled with questions of identity, the household registration system, and social status. For many, it is also a matter of “face,” symbolizing one’s place and recognition in society.

Exhibition Glossary

Hukou, 户口 (Household Registration System)

A household registration system in China that determines access to public resources such as education, healthcare, and housing. Established in the 1950s, it divides citizens into “urban” and “rural” categories and continues to shape social mobility today. A child’s right to attend school is often tied to the family’s hukou location.

Chaoyang District, Beijing

One of Beijing’s largest districts, located partly outside the Fifth Ring Road. Known for its rapid modernization, international companies, and foreign embassies. Despite its global image, Chaoyang generally lacks the concentration of top-tier schools found in central districts.

Xicheng District, Beijing

A historic and central district within Beijing’s Second Ring Road. Xicheng is home to major government offices, cultural landmarks, and some of the city’s most prestigious schools. As a result, property prices in “school districts” here are among the highest in China.

Second Ring Road (Erhuan, 二环路)

A major ring road encircling Beijing’s historic core, including the Forbidden City and Zhongnanhai. Living “inside the Second Ring” carries symbolic weight, often associated with status, privilege, and better access to resources.

Fifth Ring Road (Wuhuan, 五环路)

A ring road that defines Beijing’s outer urban edge. Areas beyond the Fifth Ring are typically considered suburban or semi-rural, with fewer public services and weaker educational opportunities compared to the city center.

Educational Inequality in China

China’s education system is marked by sharp disparities between urban and rural areas, and between city centers and suburbs. Families often move house, change hukou, or purchase expensive “school district housing” to secure better schooling for their children. This practice illustrates the intersection of education, social identity, and economic sacrifice.