On Friday, February 21st at 5:00 p.m., the ADA and Theodor Lessing VHS Hannover will open the exhibition “China 1961-2021 – in the footsteps of change” with photos by Jakob Moritz Becker and Dr. med. Horst Könop. We cordially invite you to the slide lecture on the exhibition of photographer Becker.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will be shown from March 21 to 31, 2025 and must be visited free of charge. Opening times: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekend 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Just come over.

Historical Context

From January to February 1961, a delegation of three German scientists from the Academy for Social Hygiene, Work Hygiene and Medical Training Berlin-Lichtenberg, GDR, flew to China to participate in a social and epidemic hygiene exchange of experiences with Chinese colleagues. Participating from the German side were Prof. Dr. Hudemann, Dr. med. Horst Könop, and Dr. Herbert Sinnecker.

The group was supervised by the Chinese side, led by Prof. Yang, who is the only one mentioned by name. The four-week trip led via the then Soviet Union with intermediate stays in Brest and Moscow, via Mongolia to China, where various cultural and workplaces were visited and photographed. China was a battered country during this time. The “Big Jump Forward” initiated by Mao Zedong aimed to compensate for the differences between “city and country,” “head and hand,” as well as “industry and agriculture” and to shorten the gap to the western industrialized countries. It ended in the great Chinese famine from 1959 to 1961.

Photographic Insights

In addition to his full-time job, Könop was also an experienced amateur photographer, who had a darkroom and regularly fulfilled orders for the illustration of specialist journals beyond the private. So it happened that he had a high-quality camera equipment for the time, which he took on his Chinese trip in 1961. Almost 300 travel photos were recorded by Könop with an Exakta Varex small image reflex camera as a diapositive.

Historically, it is remarkable that Könop’s recordings are color photos, since at that time in China there was almost exclusively black and white photography. The exhibition “China 1961-2021 – Traces of Change” contains a selection of the historical China images, some of which are compared to today’s views. These photos were taken by Jakob Moritz Becker, the great-grandson of Könop, between 2016 and 2019 to the historical pictures. Identifying the motifs and reconstructing the camera locations required a meticulous analysis of sometimes hardly readable diabes, directions of shadow throws, as well as the smallest image details of the historic building ensembles. The full collection of all the historical images that have yet been preserved and the comparison images was published in the illustrated book “China 1961-2021 – Traces of Change,” which was published in spring 2022.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition showcases a unique blend of historical and contemporary photography, offering a vivid portrayal of China’s transformation over six decades. The juxtaposition of Könop’s color photographs from 1961 with Becker’s recent images provides a stark contrast, highlighting the dramatic changes in Chinese society, infrastructure, and culture.

One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is the inclusion of photographs from the “Big Jump Forward” era, a period marked by Mao Zedong’s ambitious but ultimately disastrous economic and social policies. These images serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of rapid industrialization and the importance of learning from past mistakes.

For American readers, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal period in Chinese history, providing context for understanding the country’s current economic and political landscape. The photographs serve as a visual narrative, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the Chinese people in the face of adversity.

Relevance to U.S. Readers

The exhibition “China 1961-2021 – Traces of Change” is not just a historical retrospective; it is a testament to the power of photography in documenting social and economic transformations. For U.S. readers, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the parallels and contrasts between China’s and America’s historical trajectories. Just as China underwent rapid industrialization and modernization, the United States experienced its own industrial revolution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the methods and outcomes of these transformations differ significantly, providing valuable lessons for both countries.

Moreover, the exhibition underscores the importance of cultural exchange and the sharing of knowledge. The collaboration between German and Chinese scientists in 1961 highlights the benefits of international cooperation, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s interconnected world. As the U.S. continues to engage with China on various fronts, from trade to technology, understanding the historical context of China’s development is crucial.

Additional Insights

Beyond the exhibition, recent developments in China’s economic and social policies continue to shape its trajectory. For instance, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development strategy, aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks. This initiative has significant implications for global trade and geopolitics, much like the “Big Jump Forward” did for China’s domestic policies.

In contrast, the U.S. has its own set of challenges and initiatives, such as the infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021, which aims to modernize America’s infrastructure and create jobs. While the goals of these initiatives differ, they both reflect a commitment to national development and progress.

Practical Applications

For those interested in photography, history, or international relations, the exhibition offers a wealth of practical applications. It serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting historical events and the power of visual storytelling. For educators, the exhibition can be a valuable resource for teaching about China’s history, the role of photography in documenting social change, and the significance of international cooperation.

For policymakers, the exhibition provides a historical context for understanding China’s current policies and their potential impact on global affairs. By studying the “Big Jump Forward” and its consequences, policymakers can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of rapid economic and social transformation.

Counterarguments and Criticisms

Some critics may argue that the exhibition focuses too heavily on the negative aspects of China’s past, such as the “Big Jump Forward” and the subsequent famine. While it is important to acknowledge these historical events, it is also crucial to recognize the progress and achievements that China has made since then. The exhibition aims to provide a balanced view, highlighting both the challenges and the successes of China’s development.

Others may question the relevance of historical exhibitions to contemporary issues. However, understanding the past is essential for navigating the present and planning for the future. The exhibition “China 1961-2021 – Traces of Change” offers valuable insights into China’s historical trajectory, providing context for understanding its current policies and global influence.