By Mai Lam, Class of 2025 & Lan Wei, Class of 2025
The Center for the Study of Contemporary China (CSCC) recently hosted the Analog Workshop, an immersive photography experience led by Professor Tom Rankin from Duke University. Rankin, a Professor of the Practice of Art and Documentary Studies, directs the MFA(Master of Fine Arts) in Experimental and Documentary Arts at Duke. In this workshop, he guided students through the process of film photography while sharing his research on the transformation of urban spaces.
The workshop focused on how space is shaped by urban construction and social planning. Participants engaged in hands-on learning, using black-and-white analog photography to document Kunshan’s evolving cityscape. This approach encouraged a more deliberate observation of the interaction between space and daily activity, fostering a heightened awareness of urban transformation.
Biking to Bacheng: A Firsthand Look at Urban Change
One of the workshop’s highlights was a cycling tour to Bacheng, offering participants a chance to explore urban changes at a slower pace. Professor Rankin emphasized the value of cycling as a way to see and understand space more clearly. “Biking allows me to notice more details,” he explained—a sentiment that resonated with many participants as they observed both architectural and social transformations in the town.
Upon arriving in Bacheng, students noticed ongoing infrastructure projects and new architectural developments, reflecting efforts to reshape the town’s identity. The demographic landscape was also shifting; a younger crowd of tourists was increasingly frequenting Bacheng, contrasting with its predominantly elderly population.
This method of documentation allowed students to go beyond the physical aspects of urbanization and delve into its social dynamics—observing how communities form and how roles are distributed within a changing environment. Through interactions with locals and capturing their daily lives, students gained a deeper understanding of the social implications of urbanization.
The workshop attracted students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including Media and Arts, Environmental Science, and Behavioral Science, among others. This interdisciplinary mix fostered diverse perspectives on urban change, encouraging students to consider not only the visual and artistic aspects but also the environmental, social, and psychological dimensions of urban transformation.
Reflections on Urbanization and Institutional Engagement
The workshop provided a unique opportunity to engage with Kunshan in a more intimate and reflective manner. Moving at a local pace allowed participants to experience the city’s rhythm and evolution firsthand. The experience also underscored the importance of institutional engagement in understanding urbanization—highlighting how local life and social changes should be central considerations in urban studies.
Compared to Professor Rankin’s last visit to Kunshan in 2016, the city’s transformation over the past eight years was evident. Through this workshop, students not only refined their skills in film photography but also developed a broader awareness of urban development and the ways in which everyday spaces continue to evolve over time.
Slowing Down the Process: Film Photography and Community Engagement
Previous work in Bacheng began with exploring the spirit of a local temple and later expanded into a broader study of the town’s community life. That research focused on images, voices, and memories of individual community members, amplifying their active roles in shaping local identity and culture. A key emphasis was collaboration with local people in representing their lives and stories.
Compared to past experiences in Bacheng using a digital camera, the analog workshop fundamentally changed the pace and depth of interaction. The slower nature of film photography required more time to test lighting and manually adjust settings, extending the process of taking portraits. This made communication even more essential—explaining the process to locals, seeking permission, and engaging in conversations became integral parts of the experience. These interactions fostered familiarity and deeper connections between photographers and the community.
Ultimately, the workshop was more than just an exercise in photography—it was an opportunity to become involved in the local life of Bacheng, bridging the gap between documentation and engagement.
