Porters

Jerry Zhang

A nighttime photo shows a man in a dark jacket standing atop a towering pile of flattened cardboard boxes and green bundled bags, likely recyclables. He is brightly lit from above by a glowing street lamp, creating strong contrast with the dim urban background. Behind him, a dark building features large red Chinese characters '新重庆' (New Chongqing) and a smaller sign reading '宝贝传奇' (Treasure Legend) and '银帆潮流 潮流童鞋' (Silver Sail Trend Trend Children's Shoes). A colorful billboard is partially visible on the far right.

Porters is an ongoing documentary project examining the areas surrounding the wholesale market in my hometown in China. For decades, the market has remained a stable landmark, with people constantly moving through it for trade and labour. While much of the city has changed due to rapid urban development, this particular area has remained relatively unchanged.

Although some commercial activity has shifted toward the outskirts, many businesses continue to operate in the downtown core. Due to the city’s mountainous terrain, the role of the “bang bang” porters remains. These labourers carry goods up and down steep stairways and narrow streets, performing physically demanding work that remains essential to the functions of the businesses. They were a common sight, and although they have gradually become less visible as the city modernizes, they can still be found.

    About The Artist

    A square image with a vertical gradient background transitioning from a dark, muted blue-grey at the top to a light, almost white-blue at the bottom, all covered by a fine grainy texture. The word 'Inhale' is displayed prominently in solid white, sans-serif text, centered horizontally. Below it, the word 'Exhale' is shown in the same font but is translucent and fades towards the bottom, suggesting a gentle release.

    Jerry Zhang

    Jerry Zhang is a student photojournalist with an interest in documentary and press photography. His work explores the themes of migration, labour, cultural identity and the human condition. Through long-form storytelling, he focuses on everyday moments and lived experiences, using both images and writing to examine how people are shaped by the space around them.

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