On March 27, HBU-UCLan staff visited the "Solivagant (Eyes of a Stranger)" photography exhibition at Gengdu Art Museum in Baoding's Dajidian.The exhibited works were captured by outstanding graduates of our school during their studies in the UK and Europe. Through the unique lens of Eastern scholars, they documented foreign cultures, humanity, and landscapes, showcasing both their exceptional artistic talent and global perspective.
"In a foreign land, observing is a clumsy conversation."— This is how Zhang Shenghao, one of the exhibiting photographers and an outstanding 2023 graduate in Filmmaking, interprets his work. After completing his undergraduate studies, he earned a master’s degree from Kingston School of Art in the UK and is now a member of the Baoding Photographers Association. He remarked, "These 88 film frames do not delve into the philosophy of photography; they simply lay bare how a stranger’s gaze stitches together the fissures between homeland and foreign soil."
Zhang added, "Titled Solivagant (Eyes of Stranger), this exhibition serves both as a summation of study-abroad life and a collision of perspectives. He invited fellow undergraduates and postgraduates to contribute, acknowledging that while each person’s world differs, these images collectively form our answer sheet. I hope that the cartridge reflects not only the transformation of growth, but also the friendship and inheritance that transcends mountains and seas.
These works represent not just documentation of study-abroad life, but also an exchange of perspectives. All teachers lingered over the exhibits, engaging in lively discussions about photographic art and cross-cultural expression. Through this artistic appreciation and field study, faculty deepened their cross-cultural understanding and drew inspiration for teaching and creative work.
Dean Lv then led Chinese and foreign staff to Baoding Hui Garden. Strolling through the elegant Hui-style architecture, they admired the traditional artistry of white walls, black tiles, and intricate carvings. The garden, featuring Ming and Qing dynasty Hui-style architecture that blends southern delicacy with northern solemnity, provided rich cultural immersion and showed the unique connotation of traditional Chinese culture. Foreign staff Charlotte remarked, "These architectural details are astounding, giving me deeper appreciation of traditional Chinese aesthetics."
HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries remains committed to advancing international education. This visit not only enriched faculty's artistic experience but also facilitated meaningful exchange between Chinese and international faculty. Moving forward, HBU-UCLan will continue providing cultural and artistic exploration opportunities to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration and enhance international education standards.
