China in Yorkshire 2007-2009

Commissioned by Leeds Museums&Galleries and York Castle Museum.

‘China in Yorkshire’ showcased Yorkshire’s most stunning Chinese and Chinoiserie collections. Events, exhibitions and activities were held throughout 2008 in museums across the region to explore Chinese history, culture, science, art and medicine.

I was commissioned by Leeds Museums and Galleries, and York Castle Museum respectively to work with the Chinese communities in both cities. These photographs are part of the results from the two commissions. In Leeds, we had ‘China, Local and Global’ exhibition held in the central library, and ‘Chinese Treasures’ held in Lotherton Hall Museum. In York, these images form part of Castle Museum’s permanent collections.

As a British Chinese, I am often moved by how strong the cultural identity is within the local Chinese communities. Equally though, I am also often drawn to their unique life style shaped by both cultures. I refuse to show ‘Chinese’ just as ‘Chinese’, they are firstly part of the wider community anyway. However, I do realise that when the images are viewed, the ‘Chineseness’ is inevitably very strong.