Set against the backdrop of my hometown, this project focuses on the challenges faced by elderly villagers and the dynamics of agricultural
production. An in-depth exploration of rural life sheds light on the lives and labor of farmers in the Suqian region of Jiangsu, China. I am particularly
intrigued by the influence of agricultural tools and crops on the local way of life and the social significance of farmer identities. My objective is to
present an authentic and profound perspective, avoiding excessive romanticization or idealization while highlighting rural life's intrinsic beauty and
resilience. I aim to underscore the endeavors of ordinary laborers, allowing the audience to grasp the intricacies of rural existence and the pivotal role
of labor for individuals and society. Ultimately, this project aims to prompt individuals to reevaluate their connection with nature and sustenance
and the social value of labor.
This project holds immense personal significance for me as it is deeply
rooted in my emotions. While some locals may not be directly related to
me by blood, we share the same surname, making us feel like the closest
strangers. I used to visit this place annually during my childhood for
Lunar New Year celebrations, but it has been more than a decade since
my last visit due to academic commitments. This project has allowed me
to rediscover my hometown and gain a profound understanding of what
Luo Village means to me personally.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, the Chinese government
implemented policies promoting urbanization
and industrialization, encouraging manufacturing
enterprises to move to cities and towns to drive the
industrialization process and enhance production
efficiency. This led to the relocation of many factories
and manufacturing businesses away from rural areas,
and Luozhuang experienced this transition as well.
The on-site research in Luo vℹllage indicates that accelerated
urbanization has led to population loss and an aging demographic.
While the living standards in rural areas have been improving, poverty
still persists. Rural regions need to strike a balance between traditional
agriculture and modernization, as most industries have shifted to
urban areas, leaving the people of Luozhuang reliant on farming for
their livelihoods. There is a need for balanced development in both
centralized livestock industries and individual farming operations to
ensure a more equitable and sustainable rural development.
