Ao Shan
Ao Shan is a fishing village situated on a small island east of Zhoushan, China. It was confiscated by the government and built as a petroleum reserve base because of its relatively small but petroleum-rich land area. However, due to the safety hazards of such projects, the residents had to be gradually relocated off this island. The formerly lively island is now slowly disappearing and becoming a blur.
Collapsed houses, discarded objects and abandoned statues of the God of Wealth give a vague sense of imagination and nostalgia for the past life on the island. With the gradual relocation, the island has become less and less populated, with only the fisherman from the neighbourhood occasionally returning to the island for a break.
The current situation in the village of Ao Shan made me think about the balance between national development and residential livelihoods; which is more important, development or preservation? Much of what was traditional and pure seems to have disappeared in transforming a historic island full of memories into an impersonal energy extraction machine.
Collapsed houses, discarded objects and abandoned statues of the God of Wealth give a vague sense of imagination and nostalgia for the past life on the island. With the gradual relocation, the island has become less and less populated, with only the fisherman from the neighbourhood occasionally returning to the island for a break.
The current situation in the village of Ao Shan made me think about the balance between national development and residential livelihoods; which is more important, development or preservation? Much of what was traditional and pure seems to have disappeared in transforming a historic island full of memories into an impersonal energy extraction machine.
The rust on the abandoned fishing boats unexpectedly leaves some beautiful textures, seemingly hugging
the fragments of island memories that have passed away.
The re-growth of plants on the ruins makes me
marvel at the natural vitality of the island itself.
However, the polluted outlet to the sea and the
half-submerged ship bring me back to reality with
regret and sadness. Mixed emotions pervade the
village of Ao Shan.
The previous residents’ beliefs, wishes and
memories have been left behind in different
corners of the island. Once they seemed to be
one with the island, but now they will never be
remembered again
