In and Out of the Mist: An Artistic Investigation of Borderland and Community

Abstract

The main concern of this research is to initiate a new artistic approach, with photography as a medium and an artistic form of investigation, into the borderland and community that exists from Western China to the Himalayan Region, in order to distinguish it from traditional documentary photography. The borderland exists as an ambiguous territory between governance structures, and the movements of the borderland community often seek to surpass the command of the states. The ideas of inclusion and exclusion, identity within one's community, and the relationship on the borderlands are hard to clearly define. This research develops the hypothesis that borderless borderland is possible with the intervention of fog and mist. This thesis encompasses creative ways to photograph borderlands under fog and mist conditions, creating a surrealistic, magical and meaningful representation of human and natural connections on borderlands, whilst contributing to the finding of new knowledge. It greatly differs from current approaches of documentary photographers and photojournalists, which mostly capture the real, sensational and horrifying moments at the borderlands. The process of discovering new methods of visual representation is important. Therefore, various practical and artistic investigations through different ways of seeing the borderlands are explored. This critical and artistic study is to achieve a hybrid photography style between traditional documentary and contemporary conceptual photography. The final outcome of this thesis showcases a series of practical photographic works at the continuously disputed territories, and to acknowledge the beauty of the borderlands and its peoples’ peaceful way of life.