The New Nation - Internet Edition

Over the past two decades the Chinese have lifted 400 million of their own people out of destitution. Yet, there have been no elections and the press is still under government control.

'Freedom from Poverty?' introduces 10 new photographers based in China who explore stories related to China's move out of poverty. This group work considers the concept of individual freedom from poverty, and questions the global north's assertion that political democracy is the most effective means to achieve it. The concept is based around "intimacy" and all the photographers chosen are either Chinese or have lived in the region for some time.

Subjects cover both the poorest communities in their struggle to move to follow former Premier Deng Xiaoping's dictum "poverty is not socialism, to be rich is glorious" as well as communities who are enjoying China's new wealth.

Amongst these essays are portraits of Dalian Policemen in their homes. This very intimate look at a sector of society, known outside of Chinese borders only for their brutality, unveils a very different image and plays on the concept of "freedom". This essay, along with others featured in this group work, demonstrates a far more complex society than is normally portrayed with an undercurrent theme of a simple human struggle for a better life.