Associated Press photographer Oded Balilty opened a new exhibition this week, documenting his experience living in China prior to the Beijing Olympics. The exhibit will be running until next month at Beit Haomanin, Shmuel Hanagid 12 in Jerusalem.
Balilty, a Jerusalem native, spent two years traveling in China and was able to witness first hand the transformation of Beijing prior to the Olympics. The theme of the exhibition is called “Hide and Seek.” Through the use of contrasting colors, subjects, and background, Balilty tries to capture a side of Beijing wavering on the realms of fantasy and reality. The surreal photographs are intended to indirectly express the lives of Beijing residents.
Photos: Oded Balilty
“At that time I couldn’t see the real China since I was living in Beijing and the big city is different than the small ones, Balilty told Ynet. “They were very busy preparing for the Olympics and the city changed rapidly.”
Balilty began his career as a photographer for the magazine of the Israeli Defense Forces. Following his military service, Balilty worked as a photographer for Yedioth Ahronoth and the Zoom 77 agency. At the outset of the Palestinian Intifada, the Associated Press hired him to work with their Jerusalem office. Balilty has taken many photographs dealing with the Arab/Israeli conflict and helped document the 2006 war with Hizbullah.
In 2006, Balilty was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for a photo
taken during the violent evacuation of the Amona outpost in the West Bank. The image captures a single Jewish settler challenging Israeli security officers, and has earned him worldwide recognition.
Pulitzer-winning photograph
The exhibition in Jerusalem portrays the variety of people and cultures that exist within China’s vast borders. Balilty explained that, “The ancient Chinese culture is preserved only at the small regions, while in the big city the culture and social life are very much like the life in Western countries.”
The Beijing Olympics were an opportunity for China to show to the world how advanced their society has become. Despite China’s industrialization, economic growth, and Western influence, their ancient culture remains. “Sometimes you need to look beyond the mask, beyond the first impression and implement that lesson in real life,” said Balilty.
Oded Balilty, "Hide and Seek"
Beit Haomanin, Shmuel Hanagid 12 Jerusalem
June 14 – July 12
Open 7 days a week.
Sun-Tue from 10:00-16:00
Friday from 10:00-14:00
Sat. 10:00-6:00
Entrance is free
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