Interview | Yanhong Ma
Settled in Beijing, China, Yanhong Ma is an artist whose journey began at the Communication University of China, where she honed her skills and passion for photography. Her career took her to the Photography Department of a newspaper office, and she currently serves as a university lecturer in the Art Department of an adult college.
​
Yanhong Ma's artistic vision centers around the belief that photography is an art form that intimately connects with human life. She has found her calling in various genres of photography, including human documentary, street photography, nature photography, still life photography, and black and white photography. Through these diverse forms, she explores the intricacies of the human experience and the natural world, capturing moments that resonate with authenticity.
For Yanhong Ma, the camera lens acts as her third eye, allowing her to perceive the world in a unique way.
Trees, symbolic of vitality and strength, silently extend their warm greetings to the city and its inhabitants. Through the artistic choices of black and white photography and a documentary approach, Yanhong Ma unveils the profound emotions embedded within trees. Her work serves as a testament to her deep love and reverence for nature, expressing her desire to nurture and protect the delicate balance between the urban landscape and the natural world.
10 Questions with Artist Yanhong Ma
May 13, 2023
Q1. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became interested in photography?
​
My father worked in photography when he was young, and I was influenced by it as a child. As a teenager, I became interested in taking pictures. After graduating, I became a photojournalist at a newspaper office where I was exposed to news reporting. I then became a university lecturer and have been involved in photography education for many years.
​
​
Q2. What draws you to black and white photography specifically?
​
What attracts me most about black-and-white photography is that its form of expression is very pure and simple. The tones of black, white, and gray can most truly and directly express the essential characteristics of things. Whether it is the texture of the subject, the geometric shapes and lines, or the contrast of light and shadow, they can all make the picture more restrained and profound. Another point I want to make is that I use black-and-white photography to convey a particular visual appeal and philosophy.
The trees in the mirror, Digital photography, 2023
Q3. How do you think your cultural background and experiences in China have influenced your approach to photography?
​
Confucianism holds that man is a part of nature, a being in the order of nature. Nature itself is a living being, and all beings depend on each other to become a whole. Confucianism places great importance on people's relationship with nature, emphasizing that people should be close to nature and in harmony with it. This is known as 'Harmony between Nature and Human,' an important concept in Eastern thinking. As a result, photographers must establish a close relationship with nature and exchange feelings with it to fully grasp the creative subject matter and ideas. Chinese people have always appreciated landscape photography because it allows them to experience the infinite vitality of nature and enriches their soul.
​
​
Q4. Can you talk about your series "Greeting from Trees" and the inspiration behind it?
​
The "Greetings from Trees" series of photographs aims to illustrate the harmonious relationship between the natural environment, architecture, and humanity. Trees are full of vitality and strength, and although they are silent, they convey the deepest greetings to the city and its people. Through the use of black-and-white photography and documentary techniques, I aim to show the emotions of trees and express my love and reverence for nature.
​
.jpg)
The prayer of the trees, Digital photography, 2022
Q5. How do you think photography can be used to raise awareness about environmental issues?
​
With the development of urban modernization processes, people are increasingly realizing the importance of environmental problems. Photography is one of the most intuitive forms of visual expression, using images to convey different messages to the audience. On the one hand, it can awaken people's appreciation of the beauty of the natural environment as art; on the other hand, it can also draw attention to environmental protection and contribute to positive cultural communication effects in society.
​
​
Q6. As a university lecturer, how do you balance your own artistic practice with teaching, and how do you bring your own experiences into the classroom?
​
In the teaching of photography theory, some extra-curricular knowledge and materials will be introduced as supplements, such as analyzing classic cases of famous photographers to enhance students' interest in learning and artistic aesthetic ability. During the practical shoots, I will design interesting subjects and projects in class, and guide students to complete the shooting tasks through extensive and in-depth communication and collaboration based on my shooting experience.
The shining moment of the trees, Digital photography, 2023
Q7. How do you approach mentoring young photographers and helping them develop their own unique voices?
​
Photography is actually a very subjective thing. I would like to say to young photographers, try not to shoot only with your eyes, but with your heart as well. Feel the emotions and thoughts beyond the visual, and express them in your own unique way. Don't cater to others, just listen to the voice of your heart and be different.
​
Q8. Who are some photographers that have inspired your work?
​
One of my favorite photographers is Ansel Adams, an American landscape photographer and the founder of the zone system. He was also one of the initiators of the Group f/64 which advocated for "Pure Photography" and was a symbol of ecological protection. Another French photographer who has influenced media and images around the world is Henri Cartier-Bresson. His "instant aesthetics" and the founding of the world's most influential Magnum Photos have had a profound impact on my work.
TREES IN ART DISTRICT, Digital photography, 2022
Q9. Can you talk about any particularly memorable assignments or stories that you covered as a photojournalist?
​
I remember interviewing a stone carver whose hands were covered with calluses and scars left by the many years of carving. The moment I saw his hands, I was deeply touched. It was more infectious than the artwork he carved, so I chose to take a close-up picture of his hands to show the spirit of the craftsman's focus on creation.
​
Q10. How has the photography industry changed during your career, and how have you adapted to those changes?
​
In my career, photography has undergone significant changes, from traditional film photography to digital photography, and from digital photography to the current popular AI photography. I believe that as a photographer, no matter how the medium and means of creation change, it is essential to stay true to the original intention of self-creation and maintain a unique style of photography and artistic insight. One should adapt to changes while staying true to oneself, use “unchanged ”to cope with the ”changing”.
​
Tree and Lanterns, Digital photography, 2022