Journeys to somewhere
For the past 15 days I’ve been making my way around Chongqing trying to locate places and activities described by other artists.
I know what I’m looking for when I set off, for example, a high up look out opposite a construction site next to the river. But Chongqing is mountainous, has a number of constructions sites and 2 major rivers. I’m yet to locate the spot but I’ll keep looking because the endeavour is never futile. Along the way I have found 2 places to work: under a bridge by the Jialing River and next to the power station on the banks of the Yangtze River. I regularly journey to these places, which are surprisingly quiet, peaceful places to work.
Small observations
Overnight changes: scaffolding on houses, pavement dug up, pavement re-laid, road works, no entry, land turned, crops planted. Work in progress: cleaning, sweeping, watering, harvesting, fishing, digging, building. People spending their leisure time: exercising, walking the dog, playing cards and dancing to music pumped out through camouflaged speakers. Opposite the scaffolding, every afternoon a gathering of people at the bench and the same grey haired man surveying the scene.
Good people
This is a chance to acknowledge the good people I have met in Chongqing, who for no reason I can discern other than kindness have helped me along the way, without any questions asked. Three people have helped me carry bags of sand from the riverbank, a man showed me an easier method of taking water from the river, the grey haired man on the bench gave me directions and advice, and many people have allowed me to look and to wander at ease.
Nina Chua
26th November
