The exhibition presents a comprehensive sweep of black and white photographs and documentary films produced by Swiss photo-journalist Walter Bosshard. Living and traveling extensively in China from 1933 to 1939, Bosshard was one of the earliest journalists to record this critical decade in Chinese and world history. Bosshard’s work is of historical significance as most Western photographers only went to China for individual assignments, but did not live there for extended periods. Many of the Chinese photographers were politically engaged or had been commissioned, which resulted in a more selective subject matter and consistent narrative. Remarkably, Bosshard’s documentary photography and film are neither colonialist nor otherwise politically motivated.

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Apart from documenting daily life in urban centres and rural regions, Bosshard also photographed and interviewed key political figures, including Mao Zedong in Yan’an, Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, Madame Chiang Kai-shek. In wartime activities, Bosshard strived to remain a neutral observer, letting his images capture the scenes unfolding around him.

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Bosshard’s work in the 1930s was one of the primary means by which the Far East came to life across living rooms in Europe and America, affording a more holistic view of a country that was perceived internationally as highly important but altogether remained little known.