In order to find out the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing sent 4 of China’s best photographers to Norway to capture Norwegian society. During the visit, the Chinese photographers stayed with Norwegian families, providing a unique chance to experience Norwegian life from the inside. They covered very varied parts of the country, both urban and rural, in the north as well as the south, and the photographers were introduced to different sides of Norwegian families, relationships, customs and society.
The result offers a unique chance to see what Europe looks like through oriental lenses. Their impressions are available through pictures and diary notes in this unique exhibition which opens on November 12 in the 798 district.
Quotes from the photographers' diaries:
"Where are the taciturn and inaccessible Norwegians described in tour guides and text books? Did we really meet Norwegians? True Norwegians can't still be sailing on the sea, can they?"
”The school children are relaxed in the classrooms. They can discuss anything and even eat. There are not many compulsory courses nor much homework"
"Most Norwegian women receive higher education and many hold postgraduate degrees. The Norwegian men, on the other hand, are deft workers who do a lot of decorating and maintenance work around the house...The sweet and happy smile of Roger’s daughter reveal the fortune of marrying a Norwegian man"
"During the weekend when Norway equaled Italy in a soccer game hoards of ypung people swarmed onto the central street of Oslo, Karl Johan gate, and fully packed the pubs and discos. After midnight, long queues were still lining up outside the bars and there were people celebrating in the streets. For the first time we caught sight of the individualistic and outgoing Norwegian youth in all shape and forms, expressing their feelings unreservedly"