Culture

New life in B&W

By Wendy Qian (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-29 10:42

Q & A

Q: How did you approach your subjects sensitively?

A: When I first contacted families that had lost their only child in the quake, I found that the mothers were very upset. If anyone mentioned their children, they would cry and shout in vain.

Even in June 2009, when I visited quake-hit Dujiangyan again, friends warned me never to talk about anything related to the dead children.

I took shots of the mothers individually so they would not group together and reminisce.

Q: What is the most touching aspect of your photography?

A: Families regaining hope through newly-born children. Many mothers were ecstatic about having a child again.

Q: Did it lessen their sadness?

A: Definitely. The purpose of getting pregnant was to let them start again.

Q: Did all the affected parents want to have another child?

A: Yes. Every single mother took the chance when they were given the right.

Q: Do you foresee any problems with having these new babies?

A: No. If parents want, they can get help from the country.

The local government also has projects, such as psychological counseling and fertility advice.