Photographer showcases works inspired by China’s‘cyberpunk city’

Visitors are drawn to Italian visual artist Elena Givone's photographic storytelling at an exhibition in Chongqing from July to August.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Italian visual artist Elena Givone hails Chongqing, a metropolis in Southwest China, as the source of inspiration for her solo exhibition held in the vibrant city.

Featuring more than 110 of Givone's dream-themed photographic works, the exhibition, Dreams: A Global Tapestry — Chongqing, was held for a month until Aug 3 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations.

"There's always something new here — new stories, new faces," says Givone, referring to her experiences in Chongqing. "Every visit sparks a new idea."

Over the past decade, her work has taken her to numerous countries, blending documentary photography with surreal, dreamlike imagery. Now, she focuses her lens on Chongqing, known as China's "cyberpunk city" for its futuristic atmosphere set against a stunning, mountainous backdrop.

She invites passersby on the streets of Chongqing and rural residents to share their dreams and wishes. Sometimes, she tries to help her invitees to realize part of their dreams. Italian students visiting Chongqing Nankai Liangjiang Secondary School also serve as subjects for her artistic creation.

The artist is involved in art education and recording people's dreams for their future in the city.[Photo provided to China Daily]

She occasionally accompanies and participates in student exchanges and works diligently to bridge art and education through her lens.

Using her unique photographic language, Givone captures the daily life of residents in Chongqing, including street vendors, children and elderly couples.

Photographs taken in other countries she has visited, including Brazil and Sri Lanka, were also featured in the six sections of her solo exhibition.

She expresses her wish to show that humanity's dreams and futures are deeply connected.

Zhang Xiaojing, head of The World and Chongqing magazine, says the exhibition serves as a bond between the peoples of the two countries, as well as a chance to experience the power of beauty and sharing.

"Givone introduces Chongqing to the world in a globalized language that combines storytelling and visual symbols," Zhang says.

As an Italian, Givone believes that Italians and Chinese people share deep connections.

"People from both countries value food, family and friends," she says. "Those three 'Fs' truly connect us."

Givone compares Chongqing to a global tapestry woven with threads of beauty, warmth and unity.

"I'll be back," she promises. "There's so much more to explore."