China is a society in the midst of sweeping socio-economic convulsions that are rapidly and drastically altering the lives of its citizens.
The 600-plus documentary photographs by some 250 photographers, reproduced in quality duo-tone for "Humanism in China," span more than half a tumultuous century (1951-2003). All appeared in an exhibition held at the Guangdong Museum of Art between Dec. 12, 2003, to Jan. 10, 2004.
Most of the images are post-1978 monochromes. They depict just how much has changed while reminding us of lingering continuities. For anyone interested in modern Chinese social history, this is an essential and rewarding resource.