New Digital Humanities Project: Sha Fei and Wartime Photography

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Digital Humanities Project – Sha Fei and Wartime Photography (https://digitalhumanities.hkust.edu.hk/shafei/), aimed at using a fresh perspective in showcasing the library’s Special Collection “Sha Fei Photographic Collection”.

Sha Fei (1912-1950) was a humanist photographer. He captured some of the most iconic images of wartime China from the late 1930s to 1940s. To provide a deeper understanding of Sha Fei’s life and work, we created a comprehensive biography timeline of Sha Fei and categorized his photographs into different aspects. Each category serves as a gateway to explore the photography beyond the war during the significant historical period of wartime China from the late 1930s to 1940s.

Additionally, we overlayed a historic map on the current map, pinpoint the locations captured in the photographs, offering a glimpse into the photographic footprint left by Sha Fei. We also shed light on the old place name of Jin-Cha-Ji and its corresponding modern-day designation within that region, enable you to navigate and comprehend the geographical transformations that have occurred, facilitating a deeper understanding of the area’s historical context and its contemporary identity.

We have also organized the metadata, present you with a streamlined discovery experience. When you filter by category, location or person name, you will not only find precisely the photos but also uncover additional data and contextual information that enriches your exploration.

Visit the project website – Explore the photography beyond the war during the significant historical period of wartime China from the late 1930s to 1940s through the lens of Sha Fei.

Project Website: https://digitalhumanities.hkust.edu.hk/shafei/

Project Team:

• Qiuzi GUO, Division of Humanities & Library
• Holly CHAN, Library
• Sammi CHENG, student helper