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Chinese photographer inspired by pope's message on immigrants

Images capture the lives of expats and their families in the city of Hangzhou in China
Chinese photographer inspired by pope's message on immigrants

Lee Hyun Joo (in traditional Korean dress) with her Chinese family. Originally from Seoul, Lee is now studying for her doctorate in art history from a Hangzhou university. (Photo by Tu Chun)

Published: August 24, 2016 11:30 AM GMT
Updated: August 25, 2016 03:19 AM GMT

Photographer Tu Chun has captured the lives of expat families living in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, an idea that he said was inspired by Pope Francis.

Tu has dedicated his project, entitled "Families of Hangzhou People," to the Year of Mercy as a personal charitable work.

The focus of his project is on foreigners living in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province — a city with a long history of multiculturalism.

Tu photographed more than 20 expat families of various nationalities for the series.

Hangzhou has connected China with the outside world for centuries. Many famous Westerners, like Marco Polo, Christian missionary John Leighton Stuart and Jesuit Father Martiono Martini visited the city, according to Tu.

With the upcoming G20 summit being held in Hangzhou, Tu decided it was also an occasion to show off the city's charm and multi-cultural community.

"Hangzhou will display itself in front of the world," the photographer explained. "Taking this opportunity, I visited foreign friends, those who have families and work in Hangzhou, and entered their homes to understand their lives."    

But his family theme was inspired by Pope Francis' apostolic exhortations, "Joy of the Gospel" (Evangelii Gaudium) and "The Joy of Love" (Amoris Laetitia).

"The pope's exhortations remind us to care about immigrant families and to establish cultural encounters with them," Tu said. "It is a way to fight against the globalization of apathy. By telling foreigners' stories with my camera I hope to help people understand their lives and perspectives."

One of his subjects, Korean designer Alex Lee, has been living in Hangzhou for three years.

"Though I work in many countries Hangzhou is a special place for me," Lee said.

Hangzhou has different charms depending on the four seasons, according to the designer. The changing visage inspires him to diversify his designs. "Hangzhou is a city rich with charisma," he said.  

Domenico and Miriam Luzzi (right) have lived in China for nearly a decade. Their two children were born in Shanghai. (Photo by Tu Chun)

 

Domenico Luzzi, an Italian, is another foreigner featured in Tu's photographs. Domenico and his family have lived in China for nearly a decade and his two children were born in Shanghai. "We have witnessed tremendous changes taking place in China over the past few years," Domenico said.

His wife, Miriam is German. They communicate with each other in Italian at home and frequently speak English and Chinese in their daily life and work in Hangzhou.

His two children are both under the age of four. "They have grown up so far in a very multilingual and multicultural environment," Domenico said.

Another photography subject is housewife, Zena, from Iraq. She first came to Hangzhou at the age of 14. She has lived there for ten years and is now a mother of three children.

A former student of Hangzhou Normal University, Zena thinks life here is comfortable and peaceful. The locals are friendly and inclusive, she said.

"It's a safe environment for my children to grow up in," Zena said. "We find our identity and sense of belonging here."

 

Tu Chun takes a selfie with Zena's family from Iraq. (Photo by Tu Chun)

 

Lee Hyun-joo, a Korean from Seoul, is now studying for her doctorate in art history. She came to Hangzhou on her own in 2005. She now has her family and career in Hangzhou where she met her husband, a Chinese man from Anhui province. Their son is one year old.

"Hangzhou and Seoul are very similar as both have hills around the cities," Lee said. "I love Hangzhou's Osmanthus tea. We don't have it in Korea. I hope to open my own art school one day."

When asked how he communicated with his subjects, Tu said their Chinese was very good.

"Although they have different nationalities and different cultures, they really integrate into life in China and live happily," Tu said.

"Families of Hangzhou People" has also earned Tu the opportunity to attend the 16th China Pingyao International Photography Festival. The theme for this year's exhibition is "Mind of the World, Sentiment for the Homeland." It will display the works from nearly 2,000 photographers from 32 countries and territories.

 

 

Italian chef Stefano, right, with Meizi his Chinese wife, who was also featured in the series of photos. The couple own and operate a restaurant in Hangzhou. (Photo by Tu Chun)

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