16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Reveries: Lion Dance

Part of my upcoming photo book on Guangzhou, China titled, Reveries. "Reveries" offer a gateway through the subconscious and a journey through a sequence of Reveries as seen through a protagonist in reflection of the past and contemplation for the future of Guangzhou. Guangzhou is currently undergoing a massive evolution in economics and culture. Leaving the culture stuck between the new and the old. The Lion dance in the Chinese culture, is a celebratory dance performed to scare off evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune. In this image, the Lion head rises up with pride and only a small glimpse of the dancer's face is revealed. This can be perceived as the Chinese feeling a sense of confidence and triumph due to the recent success. And the lion in the person is emerging. The image is slightly fogged and out of focus, giving the illusion of a Reverie or daydream; a reminder that China is undergoing a unique cultural evolution that leaves the future a bit ambiguous.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2018
Date Uploaded: 10.2018
Photo Location: Guangzhou, China
Copyright: © David Zheng