Portraiture Shortlist

Along the Yangtze, women stay at home while men work away, shouldering farming, childcare and care for the elderly. ‘Their longing runs as deep as the river, their loneliness sharp at night. Yet life's burdens never dim their hopes. They endure hardship, their hands marked by time, but never turn away from their duties.’ With gentle strength they create a sanctuary for their families and a warm welcome for returning kin. Year after year they wait for the distant figure to return, holding onto anticipation and hope for a brighter future.