Red Illuminates, Jialin Long

Red Illuminates, a multimedia work comprising still and moving images, explores the concept of culture in socialist countries and how loyalty to the state is cultivated.

The catalyst for the project was found in a residential area of Beijing where ‘Special Criminal Syndicate Combat’ propaganda posters were displayed, on average, every 40 meters. These are presented alongside large-format portraits of so-called young pioneers emulating Mao Zedong’s portrait in Tiananmen Square. A white orchid blooming under artificial grow lights, a still from a video work, is listening to socialist propaganda from CCTV (China’s official news channel) continuously for 30 days. Long asks the question, “could this conditioning eventually turn a white orchid red?”.

This publication was produced as part of the Inspirational Arts Award 2020, where each finalist received a TLP Edition of their graduate project. Jialin Long represented the Dun Laoghaire Institute Of Art Design and Technology.

jialinlongphotography.com

For those that are not familiar with the project, TLP Editions is an ongoing collection, produced and designed by PhotoIreland, that presents work by contemporary artists in the form of uncomplicated publications. These are available through The Library Project in-store and online. All and any funds generated by the project go to producing more copies of the publications, ensuring we can keep promoting the artists and practices represented. These editions are regularly showcased and donated to international events and festivals, such as the Icelandic Photography Festival recently. In addition, TLP Editions also grace some important shelves and collections, including that of the Hasselblad Foundation Library and the Martin Parr Foundation.

You can find a list of all the TLP Editions here.

PhotoIreland is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland to develop support projects such as the TLP Editions.

Published by PhotoIreland, in partnership with Inspirational Arts
Edition of 200
Softcover
36 pages
148 × 210 mm