A Lens on Perseverance and Legacy
Photographer Ning Xiaogang has turned his focus to the vineyards of Ningxia, capturing the indomitable spirit of local farmers whose labor underpins the region's booming wine industry. His new exhibition, held amid the grapevines themselves, weaves together art, agriculture, and human resilience.
The Human Element Behind Global Success
While Ningxia's unique terroir earns praise from sommeliers worldwide, Xiaogang insists \"the true flavor comes from the people.\" His portraits spotlight weathered hands pruning vines and sun-drenched faces surveying harvests – unsung heroes fueling China's fastest-growing wine export region.
Cultural Roots Meet Global Palates
The project comes as Ningxia wines gain traction in G20 markets, with exports growing 29% year-over-year. Xiaogang's work invites viewers to consider the connection between cultural preservation and global commerce: \"These vineyards aren't just producing wine – they're cultivating stories,\" he explains.
A Toast to Shared Journeys
As night falls over the Helan Mountains, the open-air exhibition merges with its subjects' daily lives – farmers discuss photographs of themselves between shifts, while international buyers taste premier crus beside the artwork they inspired. It's a vivid reminder that behind every global product lies local humanity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
