We recently connected with Yuanbo Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Yuanbo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Actually as an independent photographer, the mission I always have is finishing a photo program. My work always relate with some social issues. For very instance, last photo program was about overseas Chinese who get covid before then couldn’t back to home due to Chinese government policy during the pandemic. I was very grateful for the participants who joined this photo program, because they were very bravely to shut out the suffers under the very strict covid policy within unfree speech environment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Yuanbo Chen and touching documentary photography for over 10 years. I always concern the social issues about overseas Chinese people. That is because my family have worked and lived in Africa for over 20 years, as an immigrate family member I know people will face a lot of problems when they are in a totally different life environment. However, I am more like a story listener and writer than a problem solver. Through quietly listening and documenting the life stories from people, they will feel relief then. In my view, documenting the life stories from those overseas Chinese people is not only sharing the real situation of ordinary people but also keeping their toughness spirits in our history.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, definitely. I hope people could be more relaxing or get a little life warming from me. This is a core driving me continually to make every project. For example, my last project ‘Whispers’. Those participants in this work suffered lonely, abusing from our domestic internet community and could not back to home due to our policy. At that time, I wished myself could do this work as a supporting for them. I am the one who have the same situation as same as yours so I will stand up with and backup with you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

In my opinion, as a document photographer, I could catch a very important moment for our life history which is the most rewarding aspect. It is not only a simple picture on its surface, but also it could include the life environment and the emotion of subject at this typical moment. These photos allow people to remember the present, and by seeing these moments, we can make future lives better by learning from history.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://codychan.org
• Instagram: @yuanbo_chan

Image Credits

Credits: Participant of Whispers: Yi
Credit: Participant of Whispers: Chi&Lan
Credit: Participant of Whispers: Xiao