Untitled by Kurt Tong

New work from a series titled In Case it Rains in Heaven by two-time 20x200 edition-maker and 2009 First Edition Hot Shot Kurt Tong opens next Thursday at Fotofest in Houston. The group exhibition International Discoveries II features 18 images and a video by Kurt and will be the first public showing of these works documenting folded paper funerary gifts from China, such as the paper roller skates above. The series was also recently awarded second runner-up honors in the editorial category of the Photography.Book.Now competition (where another one of his series, People's Park took the grand prize). Of In Case it Rains in Heaven, Kurt writes,

Traditionally, many Chinese believe that when a person dies, he leaves with no earthly possessions and it's up to their descendants to provide for them in their afterlife until reincarnation.

In the last 50 years, more and more elaborate items are made out of paper as offerings for the dead. Cars, servants and houses were common sights at funerals. As consumer culture takes over China, Joss products have become more and more outrageous. While this practice is officially banned in China, it has always been tolerated.

If you're in Houston, don't miss the chance to check out work by Kurt and the other five international artists who are "being featured by FotoFest as outstanding ‘discoveries’ in the world of contemporary photography."

International Discoveries II
Fotofest
November 5–December 19, 2009
Houston, Texas
1113 Vine Street, Houston, Texas, USA

For more information, see the press release (pdf) and check out Kurt's work online.

Kurt's 20x200 editions, RAF Vulcan XL-361 and Gosling Lake, are both available in all sizes from 20x200.