Chen Jiagang

Chen Jiagang (born in 1962 in Chongqing) is a distinguished artist who transitioned from a celebrated architect to a renowned photographer. Initially trained in architecture, he studied at Chongqing Architecture College from 1980 to 1984 and subsequently worked at the Southwest Architecture Design Institute. His architectural career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named one of the twelve "Outstanding Young Architects" in China by the United Nations in 1999. In addition to his professional achievements, Chen founded several institutions, such as the Sichuan Upriver Museum, the first private museum in China, and the Chengdu and Kunming Upriver Guildhalls.

Chen began his photography career around 2003, with his series "Third Front," which later evolved into "The Great Third Front" in 2008. His work focuses on vanishing collective histories, capturing large-format images of obsolete military cities constructed during the 1960s. These photographs explore the remnants of China's industrial grandeur, transforming them into an anxious inquiry into lost memories and the uncertain future of these abandoned zones. His compositions often feature ghostly human figures among monumental, abandoned factories, highlighting the social impact of China's rapid development. Chen's work has earned him recognition, including the Excellent Works Award at the annual China Photographic Arts Exhibitions. He currently lives and works in Beijing, continuing to document the effects of industrialization on society through his evocative photography.