Honolulu Star Bulletin – 1950

Ex-Honolulu Man Edits New China Photo Magazine

Francis Wu, FRPS, FPSA of Hong Kong, is editor in chief of a new photographic magazine called “Chinese Photography”

Mr. Francis Wu is well known in Hawaii where he attended St. Louis College. He has relatives here.

The editor has forwarded copies of the first two issues, January and February.

BI-LINGUAL TEXT

Although most of the text is in Chinese, there are occasional articles in English, and each month’s issue contains an excellent salon section exhibiting a cross section of the pictures being made my Chinese artists.

The lithographed publication is issued in Hong Kong and presumably most of the photographs represented are located there.

Several of the pictures bear evidence of having been made by Mr. Wu’s associates in the 6:20 club – a group of early Sunday risers who starts their field trips at that time.

The second issue introduces excellent color reproductions, including a cover by Mr. Wu

Technical printing limitations do not do the picture full justice, but enough of the original comes to the idea of what Chinese photographers are doing.

The work bears an unmistakable Oriental imprint – and we few offerings that seek to imitate western style art fall far below the standards of those whose inspiration is purely native.

OUTLINES PURPOSE

In an introductory statement, Mr. Wu outlines the magazine’s purposes:

“In presenting this first issue to the photographic world, it is right that some explanation of the aims and scope of the committee responsible for the publication be given."

“These aims can be stated quite shortly. They are designed primarily for the promotion of photography in China; to extend Chinese culture and beauty; and to act as a teaching journal for all interested in photography…."

“I am…convinced that we have something original and unique in our Chinese photographic technique and it is because of this that such a monthly publication as this journal is desirable as a medium of encouragement foe Chinese photographers."

CHINESE VIEWPOINT
“Chinese Photography is devoted entirely to the Chinese viewpoints of photography and most artistic photographs which are selected for insertion are usually taken by Chinese photographers with Chinese subjects and atmosphere."

“The photographic world has seen western photography through their many publications, but we have seen very little of Chinese art. Therefore, it is unnecessary for Chinese photographers to duplicate materials, which has already been widely published elsewhere."

“Chinese Photography is the first photographic monthly magazine devoted entirely to the promotion of photography in China."

For those who would like to communicate with the editors, the publication address is “ Chinese Photographic Publisher, St. George Building, Hong Kong, China.