In the years from 1966 to 1976, China saw sociopolitical upheaval spreading through its lands. The Cultural Revolution, formally known as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, was witnessed by a young photojournalist of the Heilongjiang Daily, who documented the reality behind the country’s most catastrophic political movement.
Li Zhensheng risked his own life to hide the images that showed the truth of China’s political situation under Mao Zedong. For over 20 years, he kept the unpublished negatives to himself. These photos — more than 100 of them — offer a glimpse into what actually happened during the Cultural Revolution.
As part of this year’s Singapore International Photography Festival, Li showcased his works in an exhibition titled Witness: The Archive of Cultural Revolution.
Watch our Coconuts TV video below for more insights into Li’s experiences.
Witness: The Archive of Cultural Revolution ends on Oct 29, 11am-8pm at The Arts House. Free entry. Part of the Singapore International Photography Festival.
