Zhang Kechun encapsulates the oblivion of China's mysterious Yellow River

Zhang Kechun is a Chinese photographer currently based in Chengdu. Zhang’s photography is breathtaking in it’s simplicity. He captures vast landscapes of beige colourings that appear dreamlike, but by encapsulating this oblivion the photographer leaves an air of mystery.

One project in particular The Yellow River is inspired by the novel, River of the North by Zhang Chengzhi. “Attracted by the powerful words in this novel I decided to take a walk along the Yellow River so that I could find the root of my soul.” Zhang explains. The narrative of the Yellow River is a filled with a history of legends that have since disappeared, a vacant landscape that Zhang’s photography represents magically.

In the majority of images from The Yellow River series Zhang rarely photographs individuals. This makes Zhang’s photography appear unfamiliar compared to frequent Chinese photography showcasing how expansive its population is. By focusing on landscape, Zhang has created an alternative representation of China. Whether it’s a cityscape or a rural area, his stylistic choices allow the images to appear cohesive: “Along the way, the river from my mind was inundated by the stream of reality”.