After years in China it was safe to say I stopped noticing a lot of things. Events that had once been amazing no longer held my attention. They became commonplace. The images that filled my catalog changed drastically from year to year as things became “less interesting.”
There was one constant, however: XiangQi, or Chinese chess. I have hundreds of images of XiangQi alone. The beauty of it is that there is no way to separate the game from the social and cultural elements surrounding it. Only two players actually play the game, but the casual observer probably wouldn’t realize this. Input is given by all bystanders despite experience level. Most decisions are made via committee. Talking about the game seems more important that actually playing it.
Very few other events can reveal more about Chinese culture than XiangQi.
A really interesting snapshot of a culture I find so intriguing. Can’t wait to see more in this cultural series. I love the music you’ve added as well.
Thanks man. It’s a pretty intriguing part of that culture – one that I really enjoyed.
Sadly, I never learned how to play because I really have no way to compete and manage the crowd. I’m sure it would be funny to see a foreigner trying to play it – I can’t think of a similar situation in American culture.
Also, unfortunately, this is probably the last in this series because we filmed it all before we lost our visas there. Wish it wasn’t so.
Such as common sight!! Love the intensity.