Preface

Preface

Humans have yet to find a way to avert natural disasters, but when they occur, we can certainly choose different paths in terms of post-disaster recovery. Some efforts have resulted in exceptional miracles of resurrection, writing a more uplifting chapter of history.

At 2:28pm on May 12, 2008, a devastating 8.0 earthquake shook southwestern China’s Sichuan province. Across a vast area of 100,000 square kilometers radiating from the epicenter in Wenchuan county, buildings collapsed and land was turned, causing heavy casualties and considerable economic loss. The disaster not only triggered a massive outpouring of grief in China, but shocked the rest of the world as well.

Three years have passed. Have survivors living in the disaster areas emerged from the debris? What changes have taken place in their lives and their living environment? Has distinctive local culture been effectively salvaged and protected? Has mankind discovered a brighter road to mitigate destruction brought by unavoidable natural disasters at the dawn of the second decade of the 21st century? China wonders as does the rest of the world.

Over the past three years, Chinese people, especially those in the areas hit by the Sichuan earthquake, have united with one mind in post-quake restoration and reconstruction, exhibiting invincible perseverance and unyielding spirit while giving priority to humanity and respecting science. A milestone miracle has accented China’s history of fighting against major disasters, and reconstruction goals of "providing a decent home for every family, offering new employment opportunities, ensuring security for all, improving public facilities, developing local economy, and bettering the ecological environment" have been achieved. The resurrection provides a vivid model for future disaster-recovery in many aspects from scale to speed, from comprehensiveness to results, leaving behind a priceless spiritual treasure, enriching scientific knowledge that will help others cope with catastrophic events, and writing a brilliant page in human history of disaster relief.

Sichuan’s post-quake reconstruction also received considerable care and support from other countries and international organizations, which provided selfless assistance in the form of manpower, materials, and finance. Appreciation and gratitude to those from around the world who have continuously supported recovery of quake-stricken people are driving their efforts to rebuild their home and encouraging them to kindle new miracles of historic proportions.

In appreciation of their compassion and aid, and to allow the international community to gain insight into the tremendous changes taking place in quake-devastated areas, the Ministry of Culture of the P.R.C. and Sichuan Provincial People’s Government jointly invited nearly 20 professional photographers from 13 countries, namely the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, Australia, Egypt, and South Korea, to photograph the new skylines sprouting from the formerly razed places. Organizers hope that the photos will reflect each photographer’s respective observation and distinct feelings of post-quake reconstruction, and that every scene captured through the lenses will bare direct witness to this significant historical event of mankind.

Enduring disaster allows human beings to gain better understanding of the power of nature and inspires them to better co-exist with nature and adapt to the environment, so nature can in turn bless mankind in a better way. Experiencing disaster enables human beings to strengthen communities and foster resilience. Sichuan’s open, inclusive, cooperative disaster-relief and reconstruction mode has won wide support and recognition from international community, composing a new chapter in humanity’s history of fighting disasters, while blazing a new trail towards constructing a spiritual home shared by all on the planet.

Of the 2,000-plus photos taken by foreign photographers, 98 have been selected for exhibition. Although the photos hardly represent comprehensive achievements of the past three years’ reconstruction efforts, images of brand-new homes where people live and work in peace and contentment amidst healthy cultural diversity and ecological surroundings will undoubtedly shed some light.

Each photo on display will serve as a visual guide, asking viewers to observe, explore, care, and contemplate what has happened, is happening, and will happen in quake-stricken areas, as well as the hidden spiritual power and practical value locals can share with the rest of the world via their experience overcoming disasters.

Mankind strives for profound hope and faith. With outstanding wisdom and hard work, humans have created myriad miracles. Now, we would like to invite you to follow photographers’ lenses to understand, experience, and reflect upon one of mankind’s latest miracles.

January 2012


	Preface Humans have yet to find a way to avert natural disasters, but when they occur, we can certainly choose different paths in terms of post-disaster recovery. Some efforts have resulted in exceptional miracles of resurrection, writing a more uplifting chapter of history. At 2:28pm on May 12, 2008, a devastating 8.0 earthquake shook southwestern China’s Sichuan province. Across a vast area of 100,000 square kilometers radiating from the epicenter in Wenchuan county, buildings collapsed and land was turned, causing heavy casualties and considerable economic loss. The disaster not only triggered a massive outpouring of grief in China, but shocked the rest of the world as well. Three years have passed. Have survivors living in the disaster areas emerged from the debris? What changes have taken place in their lives and their living environment? Has distinctive local culture been effectively salvaged and protected? Has mankind discovered a brighter road to mitigate destruction brought by unavoidable natural disasters at the dawn of the second decade of the 21st century? China wonders as does the rest of the world. Over the past three years, Chinese people, especially those in the areas hit by the Sichuan earthquake, have united with one mind in post-quake restoration and reconstruction, exhibiting invincible perseverance and unyielding spirit while giving priority to humanity and respecting science. A milestone miracle has accented China’s history of fighting against major disasters, and reconstruction goals of "providing a decent home for every family, offering new employment opportunities, ensuring security for all, improving public facilities, developing local economy, and bettering the ecological environment" have been achieved. The resurrection provides a vivid model for future disaster-recovery in many aspects from scale to speed, from comprehensiveness to results, leaving behind a priceless spiritual treasure, enriching scientific knowledge that will help others cope with catastrophic events, and writing a brilliant page in human history of disaster relief. Sichuan’s post-quake reconstruction also received considerable care and support from other countries and international organizations, which provided selfless assistance in the form of manpower, materials, and finance. Appreciation and gratitude to those from around the world who have continuously supported recovery of quake-stricken people are driving their efforts to rebuild their home and encouraging them to kindle new miracles of historic proportions. In appreciation of their compassion and aid, and to allow the international community to gain insight into the tremendous changes taking place in quake-devastated areas, the Ministry of Culture of the P.R.C. and Sichuan Provincial People’s Government jointly invited nearly 20 professional photographers from 13 countries, namely the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, Australia, Egypt, and South Korea, to photograph the new skylines sprouting from the formerly razed places. Organizers hope that the photos will reflect each photographer’s respective observation and distinct feelings of post-quake reconstruction, and that every scene captured through the lenses will bare direct witness to this significant historical event of mankind. Enduring disaster allows human beings to gain better understanding of the power of nature and inspires them to better co-exist with nature and adapt to the environment, so nature can in turn bless mankind in a better way. Experiencing disaster enables human beings to strengthen communities and foster resilience. Sichuan’s open, inclusive, cooperative disaster-relief and reconstruction mode has won wide support and recognition from international community, composing a new chapter in humanity’s history of fighting disasters, while blazing a new trail towards constructing a spiritual home shared by all on the planet. Of the 2,000-plus photos taken by foreign photographers, 98 have been selected for exhibition. Although the photos hardly represent comprehensive achievements of the past three years’ reconstruction efforts, images of brand-new homes where people live and work in peace and contentment amidst healthy cultural diversity and ecological surroundings will undoubtedly shed some light. Each photo on display will serve as a visual guide, asking viewers to observe, explore, care, and contemplate what has happened, is happening, and will happen in quake-stricken areas, as well as the hidden spiritual power and practical value locals can share with the rest of the world via their experience overcoming disasters. Mankind strives for profound hope and faith. With outstanding wisdom and hard work, humans have created myriad miracles. Now, we would like to invite you to follow photographers’ lenses to understand, experience, and reflect upon one of mankind’s latest miracles. January 2012 1 2

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