Zheng Weihan

In some ways, Zheng Weihan is like many revolutionary photographers from the 1950s through the 1970s. They interpreted staged pictures as the truth. Zheng was somewhat different, in that his own creative ideas were embedded deep within the ideology of the Cultural Revolution. Zheng lost himself in the fervor of the time, but this "loss" gives his images a very contemporary intensity.

Scenes From the Past

The Little Red Guards denounce the "Three-Character Classic"

1972

Farmers learn from the Model Plays in the fields

1971

The Little Heroes sing children's songs

1973

The workers research wage reform

1972

Mao Zedong says, "Political power comes from the barrel of a gun."

1970

"The Little Red Book" is sent to the front lines.

1969

Production and study are equally important.

1975

We must demonstrate whole-hearted devotion to Chairman Mao.

1968

Despite the cold, PLA soldiers continue to study revolutionary theory.

1968

We must study the works of Mao Zedong.

1970

Workers writing big character posters.

1975

The medical team arrives at a nomad's home.

1973

The Little Red Guards meet to study.

1976

PLA soldiers tutor students in revolutionary theory.

1972

We should always carry the quotations of Chairman Mao in our hearts.

1973

News of victory has arrived at the school.

1976

Internationalist soldier Luo Shengjiao is a model for the militia.

1958

A group discussing revolutionary thought.

1974

Children playing drums to show revolutionary determination.

1969

An arts troupe performs for the masses.

1975

Medium: Inkjet print
Dimensions: (1) 90 × 90 cm (2) 45 × 45 cm
Edition: (1) 15 (2) 15

Artist's Bio

Zheng Weihan (1937 - 2016)

1956 Joined the People's Liberation Army and became a Political Department photographer
1978 Served as photography editor for the Jilin People's Publishing House

Solo Exhibitions:
2008 "Scenes from the Past," Inter Art Center / Gallery, Beijing, China

Group Exhibitions:
2014 "Performance and Imagination: Chinese Photography 1911-2014," Stavanger Art Museum, Stavanger, Norway