「Look at the Picture and Talk about the Painting」Lv Nan: A single shot captures the heart, half of life left blank

Lv Nan actually refused all opportunities to appear in public, citing the reason that “he was ashamed of his poor appearance”. He firmly believed that “great things are accomplished in silence”.

This understated style contrasts sharply with his creative approach. Through 15 years of intense dedication, he completed the epic trilogy “The Forgotten Ones”, which took two years to capture the living conditions of the mentally ill; “On the Road” took four years to document the believers’ religious practices; and “Four Seasons” took seven years to capture the daily lives of farmers in Xizang. When I first saw Lv Nan’s Xizang series of works at Na Risong’sInter Gallery over a decade ago, the European medieval-like tones struck a chord with my heart, and the simple pictures were filled with empathetic feelings, truly representing the pinnacle of Chinese documentary photography. He focused on long-term immersion and rejected the superficial shooting method. With silent persistence and a humble attitude, he allowed the camera to capture the essence of life.

He captured the raw moments with black and white film, using meticulous composition to create timeless classics that can withstand the test of time. This purity also extended to his way of dealing with people and handling affairs, distancing himself from fame and fortune, not attending exhibitions, and refusing to be sought after. He was humble and reserved in his behavior, and modest and respectful in his actions. This cultivation of humility and modesty gave his works, like him, an inherent moral sentiment and humanistic weight.

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.