This Is Nice

Location: Shique Hutong, Beijing, China – September, 2017
Photographer: Sam Kay
Home Country: United States
University Affiliation: Graduate Student
Category: Politics
Award: Honorable Mention

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In the artist’s own words: “Beijing is in the throes of a campaign to “improve” its ancient hutongs by cracking down against the unauthorized doorways and windows through which many small working-class and migrant-owned businesses operate. Working alley by alley, local administrators mark these “illegal” openings with large red and yellow stickers. Several days later a crew of helmeted construction workers and security personnel work their way down the street methodically breaking windows and storefronts and quickly filling in the holes with bricks.”