Marc Riboud in China

In 1956 Marc Riboud became one of the first Western photographers to enter China since the Communist takeover of 1949--and he was permitted to return regularly over the next four decades. This book presents his compelling record of the far-reaching and rapid changes that have taken place as China has evolved through the revolutionary era into a puritanical tyranny, and finally into a mirror of the capitalist West. 150 duotone photos.

Renowned French photographer Riboud (Angkor: The Serenity of Buddhism, LJ 10/01/93) has been regularly recording the profound changes in China since 1956. In this companion catalog for an exhibition on display in Paris and New York, Riboud notes that "the East that we loved for its permanences is suddenly turning into a caricature of the West." Indeed, this collection portrays not only the striking contrasts between the old and new China but observes remnants of the old society adrift in the new. Generally showing either cityscapes or villagers engaged in daily activities, the 150 black-and-white images move from the tradition-bound Old World culture to scenes contrasting that world with Mao's China to the emergence of a modern, consumer-driven society carrying vestiges of the past. Along with the stirring photographs, Riboud's witty, personal captions and a reflective preface by French journalist Jean David capture the spirit of a resilient people and the soul of a rapidly changing nation. Highly recommended.?Joan Levin, MLS, Chicago
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.