Witness the Extraordinary Transformation of China’s 1980s through Andrea Cavazzuti’s Lens!
Join us on a captivating journey through the lens of Andrea Cavazzuti, a self-employed photographer who has been exploring the vast and diverse social aspects of China since he first arrived in 1981.
Originally from Italy, Cavazzuti has dedicated much of his career to capturing the beauty and social fabric of China through his photography.
From bustling cities to rural villages, his work offers a unique perspective on China’s diverse communities and social dynamics.
In this article, we will delve into Cavazzuti’s journey to China, his photographic style and approach, and the impact of his work on capturing and preserving China’s social aspects.
China Through the Lens of Andrea Cavazzuti
Andrea Cavazzuti first arrived in China in 1981 as a student of Chinese culture and language.
He quickly fell in love with the country and decided to stay and explore it further.
Falling in Love with China
Cavazzuti was captivated by the vast cultural and social aspects, as well as the stunning landscapes, of China.
He was also drawn to the warmth and hospitality of the people he encountered, which encouraged him to stay and deepen his understanding of the country’s rich culture and diverse social dynamics.
Inspiration to Capture China through His Lens
As Cavazzuti explored China, he realized that photography was a powerful way to capture and share his experiences with others.
He saw it as a way to bridge cultural gaps and bring people closer together.
This realization inspired him to pursue photography as a career and focus on capturing the beauty and social aspects of China through his lens.
Photo by Andrea CavazzutiChina in the 1980s: A Snapshot
China before the 1980s
China in the 1980s was a time of significant change and transformation.
Before the 1980s, China was largely closed off to the rest of the world and was focused on promoting the communist ideology and central planning.
However, this changed in the 1980s with the implementation of key political and economic reforms that opened up China to the global community.
Key political and economic reforms of the 1980s
Some of the key political and economic reforms of the 1980s included the promotion of private enterprise, the establishment of special economic zones, and the decentralization of government control.
These changes helped to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living for many Chinese citizens.
Social and cultural changes during the 1980s
In addition to these political and economic changes, the 1980s also saw significant social and cultural changes in China.
For example, there was a loosening of traditional social and cultural norms, such as the relaxation of strict dress codes and the promotion of greater freedom of expression.
These changes helped to create a more open and diverse society in China.
Overall, the 1980s marked a significant turning point in China’s history, and the country’s rapid transformation during this period had a profound impact on both China and the rest of the world.
A Journey Through Time: Andrea Cavazzuti’s Photographic Collection
Andrea Cavazzuti’s photography is characterized by a unique blend of artistry and documentary-style storytelling.
He often captures candid moments of daily life, as well as stunning landscapes and architectural landmarks.
His use of natural light and vibrant colors imbue his photographs with a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Examples of His Photography in China
Having lived in China for 40 years, I have had a unique opportunity to witness its growth and transformation.
However, it’s challenging to convey the significance of this time period.
To put it into perspective, I was born just 40 years after the end of World War I, and the Republic of China lasted less than 40 years.
In 1985, 40 years after the end of WWII, I had already spent more than two years in China, but it’s not easy to grasp the significance of time when referred to in this way.
Our world exists only from birth to death, and we inherit it the way it is, as a fait accompli.
The country where I was born and raised witnessed industrialization and consumerism earlier than China for many complex reasons.
This created a time difference of 20 to 30 years, making it possible for me to relive some of my childhood experiences in China.
Despite being in a new and different world, I had a sense of deja vu as China was familiar and unfamiliar. My early photographs of China capture this sense of familiarity and unfamiliarity.
Living in China for such a long time has given me a unique perspective on the world and the passage of time.
We inherit the world from our ancestors, and it’s up to us to shape it for future generations.
My experience in China has taught me the importance of embracing change and being open to new experiences.
- by Andrea Cavazzuti
I took my first trip to China with the same spirit as when I first visited Sicily, Brittany, or London.
My main purpose was to take pictures, so I became skilled at keeping a low profile, almost to the point of being invisible, despite my distinctive physical appearance.
I also developed the ability to justify my picture-taking, even when I didn’t fully understand my own motivations. Trying to explain it seemed pointless.
- “As Epilogue – A Bit of My Life in China” by Andrea Cavazzuti
On a philosophical level, I felt privileged to live at the heart of history in the making, witnessing the rapid transformation of a billion people and their environment.
Such events are rare in the history of mankind, perhaps even unprecedented. I was grateful to be there in person.
On an emotional and intellectual level, however, it involved constant questioning of self, China, Italy, and the entire world.
I had to continuously seek answers to explain, justify, and describe the two worlds that I knew so little about.
These exercises were akin to photography; explaining them was pointless but kept my brain alert. I welcomed the challenge.
- “As Epilogue – A Bit of My Life in China” by Andrea Cavazzuti
I have long been a fan of Diane Arbus’ photographs, but only recently did I discover her writings.
To my surprise, I found that many of her thoughts mirrored my own.
Nonverbal communication exists, and communication through images can be specific and accurate.
As Arbus once said, “There are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.”
Her work gave those things exist. There is something similar in quantum physics.
- by Andrea Cavazzuti
Gary Winogrand showed us that photographs can make ordinary life appear interesting.
Once reality is placed within a rectangle, it becomes a photograph, a stage shot, or a still life, altering our visual experiences and potentially shaping our worldview over time.
Like Winogrand, I do not stage photographs or use calculated effects.
In photography, the spatial relationship between objects is determined by the focal length of the lens.
However, human vision is different; our eyes have a fixed focal length between 28mm and 35mm.
Nevertheless, our brain adjusts our vision through a non-optical process, magnifying certain details.
Olivo Barbieri’s selective focus is an example of this process.
In my early days of photography, I mainly used fixed-focus lenses with 50mm on a 135 camera, which brings things a bit closer than our natural vision.
This is one of the reasons why my photographs often look like they were taken at eye level.
Recently, I watched a video of Winogrand in action on the streets and found our approaches quite similar.
We both stood on the side of the road with a small camera, shyly observing the surroundings and passers-by, occasionally raising the camera to take a few shots, our eyes locked on the viewfinder, and smiling awkwardly at people.
However, when using a tripod, I adopted a different posture, pretending to be a road worker or surveyor, showing no interest in people whatsoever.
In one extreme case, while photographing at a gas station on a national highway, the owner asked me to leave after several drivers mistook me for a speed checker and sped away in fear.
- by Andrea Cavazzuti
There were two main reasons why I took black and white photographs in the 1970s and early 1980s.
The first reason was financial, and the second was that I could develop and enlarge black-and-white photographs myself.
While at Fudan University, I developed rolls of film inside the closet of my dormitory and enlarged them later in the darkroom of my home in Italy.
I don’t believe that black-and-white images are inherently better than color. As Roland Barthes put it, color is not just a patina applied to the surface.
We experience the world in color, and photographers should embrace this challenge.
Color affects our choice of subject matter and composition.
The work of William Eggleston, who uses color to interpret the world, and Luigi Ghirri, whose work is inseparable from color, demonstrates this well.
My only frustration is my need to rely on others for color photographs.
Most of my color film developed at Hong Kong’s self-proclaimed “best” photo studio has turned moldy and unusable, which is quite annoying.
Looking back, I now realize that Beijing’s China Photo Service, which seemed backward then, was actually much better!
- by Andrea Cavazzuti
Uncovering the Delicate Details in Andrea Cavazzuti’s Photography
In general, Andrea Cavazzuti’s photography is calm and restrained, featuring strong contrasts in some compositions and colors.
However, it may not be exciting enough for today’s younger generation, lacking a striking impact.
But upon closer examination, one can discover peculiar details that reveal Cavazzuti’s deliberate and intentional approach.
For example, the contrast between the lotus and clothing colors in one photo suggests a careful selection of colors to create a harmonious composition.
Nothing in his photography is accidental, and there is always so much to savor in his work.
- by Feng Mengbo
Capturing China’s Delicate Moments
Initially, Andrea Cavazzuti’s photos appeared plain and lacking in impact, as another photographer had noted.
However, upon revisiting them, I found myself drawn in by a sense of warmth and tranquility.
While Ho Fan’s work is admired for capturing a particular era in Hong Kong’s history, Cavazzuti’s photography tells the story of mainland China during the 1980s and 1990s, a time that is part of an older generation’s memory.
If we were to view China as a person, this period was akin to a restless adolescent phase.
Yet, through Cavazzuti’s lens, the images evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia rather than the restlessness of that time.
The details in his photos are subtle but thought-provoking, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect.
Final Words
I am truly amazed by Andrea Cavazzuti’s photographic journey through China’s transformative era of the 1980s!
It’s amazing how his collection captures the social, economic, and cultural changes that took place during that time.
I feel like I am able to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of key political and economic reforms, and the ways in which they shaped contemporary China.
Looking through his photographs, I can’t help but feel inspired by his techniques and style.
They are so unique and thought-provoking, and I can see how they would provide inspiration for future photographers and artists to document history in their own unique way.
Overall, I think Andrea Cavazzuti’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of photography.
It allows us to connect with the past in a more personal and emotional way, and can provide valuable insights into the present and future.
I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to explore his collection and gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and significance of China’s transformative era of the 1980s.
