Photographs by Nikolai Vakhroushev, Torben Nielsen and Shona Kebble.
An inspiring exhibition titled The Bridging Culture — A Journey Connecting China and New Zealand was presented by the Howick Photographic Society, showcasing the works of three talented photographers – Nikolai Vakhroushev, Torben Nielsen, and Shona Kebble.
The exhibition ran successfully for two weeks at the end of April at the Lake House Arts Centre in Takapuna, Auckland. Its official opening attracted more than 300 guests and turned into a vibrant cultural celebration. Visitors were greeted with colourful traditional costumes representing China’s diverse ethnic groups, speeches from officials, and live performances by Chinese musicians and dancers.
The event was organised with the support of Auckland’s Chinese community, the New Zealand-China Tourism Cooperation Association, and the travel company Travel With Me, led by Rosanna Chen. Last year, Rosanna organised two tours to China’s Hunan Province, and many of the images displayed — over a hundred in total – were captured during those journeys. While all three photographers contributed their unique perspectives, the majority of the exhibition featured the work of Nikolai Vakhroushev, whose photographs captivated both critics and visitors alike. Below are some of the reflections shared by attendees:
Natalia Valentino: “I was lucky enough to attend the opening of this wonderful exhibition today. Traditional Chinese songs and dances, beautiful artwork by Nikolai Vakhroushev and two other photographers – all presented in a cosy gallery with perfect lighting. Thank you for the opportunity to see the picturesque landscapes of ancient China!”
Natalia Masyuk: “I didn’t expect to be so deeply impressed! Each large-format photograph tells its own story, full of emotion and colour. Kolya, this artistic talent of yours adds a new dimension to your creativity — bravo!”
Marina Osborne: “In the spirit of the Chinese poet Li Bo (701-761), I wish to write about Nikolai Vakhroushev’s photographs:
Sandstone cliffs,
Hands rolling tea leaves,
And a young maiden boldly
Gazing from behind a screen.
We stroll through the exhibition –
And cannot look enough…
Truly, these are
The enchanted tales of China.
Since childhood, I have loved Chinese fairy tales, and this exhibition transported me back into that blissful state of mystical wonder and indescribable beauty – the essence of a country that manages to preserve its ancient history while leading the world in technology. I am deeply enchanted and grateful to Nikolai and Olga for this photographic performance.”
Elena Dolgova; “I greatly enjoyed the exhibition — it inspired me and made me want to learn more about the country and its people. I was especially impressed by Nikolai’s photographs — they are incredibly talented, beautifully composed, with fascinating angles and striking details. My thanks to all the organisers and participants.”
Elvira Tavleeva: “The moment you step into the exhibition hall, you feel that Chinese culture has somehow become a little closer to you. At the grand opening, I was completely immersed in its atmosphere. It was a breathtaking sight — a brilliant performance by a Chinese dance troupe in magnificent, colourful traditional costumes, accompanied by beautiful songs and music.
As for my impressions of Nikolai’s work, I’ll start with the portraits – the first to catch my eye. As I learned at the exhibition, none of the people in his photos posed for him intentionally. Nikolai’s gift lies in his ability to capture the perfect moment – to lift his camera and take the shot precisely when it counts. That’s why everyone in his portraits looks so natural. It doesn’t matter what they are doing — someone is standing and smoking (you can even see the smoke from the cigarette), another is picking tea leaves, or sitting thoughtfully in a relaxed pose. Nikolai is truly a master of portrait photography.
But not only portraiture – his landscapes are equally impressive. Each image reveals genuine artistry and deep sensitivity. His photographs of mist curling over mountains, of canyons and distant peaks are breathtakingly beautiful.
The journey that inspired Nikolai’s photographs did not follow the usual tourist routes. Instead, it led through small towns and remote villages untouched by modern civilisation. It is fascinating to see the houses, bridges, rivers, and mountain settlements that can only be reached by boat. His collection features a stunning series of images that reveal both the architecture and everyday life of three Chinese provinces — from intricate wooden stilt houses rising above winding rivers to vibrant traditional festivals and the warm hospitality of the local people.
I also found my personal favourites — the photographs I kept coming back to, such as Bridge Fenghuang Ancient Town.
After viewing all the works several times, I felt as if I had travelled the entire route alongside the photographer. The remarkable exhibition, Nikola’s fascinating stories and commentaries, and the photo albums from his journey available for browsing — all of this became part of a treasure chest of impressions and discoveries about this fascinating country, China.
My heartfelt thanks to the photographers and everyone who helped organise this wonderful exhibition.”
Translated by Lena Naumova
