On the afternoon of August 23, 87-year-old Mr. Yang Wanling held the ninth annual personal photography art exhibition at the public library in the Northeast District of Philadelphia, attracting dozens of photography enthusiasts from both Eastern and Western cultures to come and appreciate his work. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Yang shared his love for photography and even sang a self-composed English song, receiving applause from the audience.
Mr. Yang’s son, Sunny, presented in English, and his friend, Liu Yuhua, presented in Chinese, introducing Mr. Yang Wanling’s “decades of hard work and passion in photography exhibition.” The exhibition showcased over a hundred pieces of Mr. Yang’s recent photography work, including landscapes, wildlife, and realistic portraits.
Mr. Yang explained to the guests why photography holds extraordinary power from four perspectives: evoking memories, sparking imagination, facilitating learning from distant places or historical events, and serving as an art form. The audience was deeply moved by Mr. Yang’s dedication to capturing the beauty of the world through his lens.
Retired engineer Jerry Cheng, who discovered the photography exhibition through a newspaper, was immediately captivated by Mr. Yang’s work, praising his “vibrant spirit” and expressing admiration for his talents in photography. Mr. Cheng, who also appreciates classical and oil paintings, expressed his desire to help organize another photography exhibition in South Philadelphia to allow more people to enjoy the beauty of art.
Ms. Wang, a retired elementary school music and art teacher, attended the exhibition after reading about it in the newspaper. Impressed by Mr. Yang’s noble character, extensive travels, and relentless pursuit of art, she commended him for capturing the essence of life and art in his photographs.
Mr. Yang enthusiastically shared stories behind his works, recounting his adventurous trip to Antarctica and his daring encounters with wildlife. Each of his photographs carries a unique narrative, reflecting his reverence for life and dedication to art.
The exhibition not only showcased Mr. Yang Wanling’s artistic prowess but also served as a heartfelt declaration of the world’s beauty. Through his photographs, guests were able to transcend time and space, experiencing the pulsating heartbeat of the earth and the unique charm of human culture.