Beijing’s parks have never been just places for walking, relaxing, or enjoying the sun.
Through the lens of photographer Sun Yibing, the park becomes an open-air theatre: older men and women exercise, train, challenge each other, show their skills, form groups, and once again become the main characters in their own lives. Full of strength, humour, competitiveness, and vitality, they challenge our stereotypes of what “old age” looks like.
In the Parkis a documentary photography project that Sun Yibing spent two years creating in parks across Beijing. Using flash, he transforms everyday scenes into staged, almost theatrical moments. The elderly people in the parks appear as radiant as stars, inviting us to see their emotional needs, physical energy, and social presence in a new light.
About the Photographer
Sun Yibing is a freelance photographer, represented by SOMSOC Gallery in Tokyo, an official Fujifilm China photographer, recipient of the Gold Award in the professional category of the ND Awards, and a Getty Images Artist Grant recipient. His works are part of the collection of the Tokyo Avenue Museum of Art.
He has published four photobooks: In the Park, Symphonic Dreams, Park Tales, and Mixed Continent. His major photographic projects include 1000 Meters, In the Park, Beijing Wilderness, and Mixed Continent.
His photographs and writing have been featured in publications including Jia Magazine, The Lonely Library, Sixth Tone, Same Paper, Roadsiders’ Weekly, Die Zeit, TANK Magazine, National Geographic (USA), and New Weekly, among others.
Weibo & Xiaohongshu: @孙一冰Oneice
Instagram: @oneice
Website: www.yibingsun.com
Opening Event
On the opening night, we have invited DJ friends to bring music to the space, extending this evening about parks, bodies, movement, and vitality.
Guests are welcome to come dressed in sportswear to echo the theme ofIn the Park. Those who join the opening in sportswear will receive a small gift and one complimentary drink.
Join us at Café Zarah as we step back into Beijing’s parks and rediscover the vitality illuminated by the flash.