HAJI Gallery presents an exhibition of award winning photographer, Jo Farrell’s work in China, previously exhibited only in London and San Francisco. A selection of black and white documentary silver gelatin prints from a series taken in Anhui Province, China.
These villages have maintained their traditional Qing and Ming dynasty buildings. 
Hong_cun village was built in the Yongle Region of the Ming Dynasty and is shaped as an Ox. The natural fountain in the center of the village was made into a crescent shaped moon pond and is thought of as the Ox’s stomach. A 400-meter long canal was dug to bring a winding stream of water from the east to the west of the nearby river, and is described as the Ox’s intestines. 
There are four bridges that cross over the river to the village and make up the Ox’s legs. After completion of the village many of its’ residents left and became rich merchants and high officials. They returned to the village and brought their prosperity back with them. Today more than 50 buildings survive from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The saying goes that “One generation plants the trees under whose shade another generation rests,” in Hong_cun village the special waterways have provided fresh clear spring water from which the residents raise fish and water the nearby fields—making them self-sufficient.
The village of XiDi was named after the local river. The village has over 120 Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, 3 main streets, 40 lanes / alleys, and is in the shape of a boat. All the roads are paved with slab stones and zigzag through the village. All the houses are twostorey buildings with grey brick walls, dark tile roofs and wooden structures. The Horse-Head walls that tower above the buildings are a recognizable feature of the village architecture.
Jo Farrell is an award-winning black and white documentary photographer and culture anthropologist, born in London, England. Her work has been exhibited in London, New York, LA, Denver CO and San Francisco. Jo has lived in Hong Kong for the past five years and will have her first exhibit in the city at HAJI Gallery. Through her anthropological eye she captures traditions and cultures that are dying out using traditional black & white film, Hasselblad camera and darkroom processing. Each silver gelatin print is a limited edition piece.
When: 6 – 25 October, 2012; 2–‐7pm daily (Mon–‐Sun)
Opening Reception: Thursday, 11 October 6.30 – 8:30pm
Closing Reception: Thursday, 25 October 6:30 – 8:30pm
Artist Lecture: Wednesday, 17 October 7–‐8pm
Address: HAJI (new location) G/F, 12–‐14 Lok Ku Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
Lecture: The artist will give a slide presentation lecture on her recent China project, “Living History: Bound Feet women of China” on Wednesday, 17 October at the gallery. Please call to reserve space.
Signed Copies of the book “Jo Farrell Photographs:1” will be available at HAJI Gallery.
Artist Contact: Jo Farrell @ [email protected]