Callum Beaney

First edition of 15 copies.

The Chinese character 爱 typically refers to the concept of love. Simplified during the 20th century, it derives from the traditional 愛 that is predominantly used in Hong Kong and Japan, where in the past it remained and migrated respectively.

Photographer Callum Beaney and his partner communicate only in Japanese; she Chinese and he British. In 2019 they visited mainland China’s Shenzhen and the ex-colony Hong Kong together.

Separated by a border, these two cities seemed apposite to knowing one another through a second language, its mutual displacement of self therein. Approaching representation's challenges, Beaney found interest in these historical cities and their contemporary status: old brush paintings in shopping malls; rapid building assembly; museum explanations and advertisements. 爱愛 is a short collection of them.

Stapled softcover zine with a text insert. Printed full colour on 115gsm Coated art paper. First edition of 15 copies.

210mm x 297mm

60 pages

50 full-colour pictures