Portraiture Shortlist

Donghai Island, in Guangdong Province, is the fifth largest island in China. Over the past decade it has been developed into a heavily industrialised area, and due to the expropriation of land, demolition and other reasons, many of the original residents have moved away. As a result, the traditional culture and lifestyle on Donghai Island faces new challenges, as does the island’s air and environment in the face of industrialisation. I went back to my childhood hometown – East Island village – and used a film camera to record the friendly faces of the people. I want to keep them, and to keep these memories I miss.

Chen Liang, an independent photographer, was born in Donghai Island, Guangdong, China in 1983 and currently resides in Donghai Island. Prizes: The 11th Annual Photography Rankings of China (2024); LensCulture Critics Choice Award (2024) LensCulture Portrait Award (2024); Lishui Photo Festival Expert Recommendation Honorary Award (2023); Third prize in two British Bartur Photography Awards (2023); Shortlisted for SONY World Photography Awards (SWPA) Professional Category 3 times;