The Door Opened: 1980s China – Photographing China’s Era of Reform by Adrian Bradshaw

Description

The Door Opened: 1980s China is a powerful record of the golden era of reform, when China and the rest of the world were united in their enthusiasm for better things to come. A youthful population was seizing the possibilities of personal development and experimentation.

Into this febrile environment came Bradshaw who had travelled from London by plane, ship and train in 1984 for a course at the Beijing Languages Institute. From the first day he knew he was photographing the history of a society on the move. In his new book, he turns to his more personal images – most previously unpublished – sharing what he witnessed in the 1980s with humour and empathy. This was the time China began to visibly embrace the possibilities of reform and opening up: from the first fashion shows to the visits of Muhammad Ali and Bernardo Bertolucci; the transition from muddy rural free markets to private businesses and factories.

Now based in Oxford, the Life Magazine-published photographer is mining an archive of almost two million images.

A drinks reception will be held at 6:30pm before the talk. Members of the RGS, their guests and others are most welcome to attend this event, which is HK$150 for RGS Members and HK$200 for guests and others, including a complimentary glasses of white or red wine. This event is free of charge for our Student Members.

The same talk by Bradshaw will also be held on 6 September 2019 at Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Please click here for more details.