Born in China, Mi Zhou studied Civil Engineering in college. Following graduation, he worked for 13 years as a field engineer for the Chinese National Railroad Survey and Design Institute. In 1997, he obtained a Master degree in Communication Arts in New York, and worked as art director at an advertising agency. Since 2004, he resides in San Francisco, USA, working as a freelance photographer, mainly focusing on personal projects, and working with non-profit organizations on social documentaries.
“What attracted me was the simplicity and basic idea in human history, when people still treated nature with awe and fear. They lived the simple and primitive life, with their very basic understanding of their environment. The simplicity originated from life itself has a powerful force, in a world where people have been desensitized by daily violence and astounding greed. The relationship between man and nature has been dominated by exploitation and revenge. In a time like this, I would like to return to the Earth, which has given birth to our bodies and souls, to worship the serenity and harmony of the land, and rediscover the innocence and beauty of humanity.
For me, this project is a personal spiritual pilgrimage. When these Tibetan herdsmen stood upon the land that nurtured them, they blended with the landscape into one organic, timeless statue. I could almost touch their soul, full of dignity, strength and generosity. Maybe this is the origin and fountain of humanity, the life force that we should cherish.
This project is a collaboration between Chinese artist Ma Ke (who created all outfits) and I. All images were photographed in China’s Sichuan Province in December 2007. As a part of the core concept, we tried to avoid showing the typical Tibetan environment, cultural and religious symbols, and just focused on anonymous landscape and people.”
Mi Zhou – Earth
May 17 – June 15
5 Rowe Street, Lower Wexford
Co. Wexford
Ireland, Y35 RDX9
