Yuanjun Chen: Most of My Works To-Date
📍 PETSHOP — 2727 N. 62nd St.
📅 Opening Reception: 8.1.25
🖼 On View Through: 9.20.25
In 2018, I came to Omaha hoping to finish my undergraduate degree in three years.For many reasons, it ended up taking longer than I expected. I arrived not knowing anyone or anything about the region, but over time, I came to recognize the streets and build friendships. Living in Omaha for six years had a significant impact on my life. Before I left, I wanted to share my photographs—and here we are.
I had been photographing primarily with film since 2012. Sometimes I would carry my camera for two days in a row without seeing anything that interested me. Other times, I’d come across something fascinating while running errands—without a camera on me. After a few of those moments, I started making a habit of always carrying a camera (mostly film) to avoid the regret of missing something. Because of that, people often asked me, “What do you like to photograph?”
For a few years, I wasn’t really sure how to answer, which made sense. Since I mostly find my subjects in everyday life, I simply photograph what interests me—and I never quite know what will catch my attention next.
Furthermore, I don’t enjoy most of the process after clicking the shutter. I would often toss the finished rolls into a drawer and procrastinate for a long time before developing them. Without seeing my own work, it was hard to give a meaningful answer to that question.
Because the film lab in Omaha was far and expensive, I had to change my practice. To keep costs low, I started buying bulk black-and-white film and processing everything myself. Omaha is not like the Guangzhou I’m familiar with—there’s not as much happening compared to a big city. Trying to make at least one good photograph every time I went out became a daily challenge.
After moving to Chicago, I developed and digitized the last 15 rolls of film in my drawer—the oldest one dating back to 2021. Now, with access to all of my film photographs from Omaha, I’d like to invite you to see my journey over the past few years.
The world is constantly changing, and it doesn’t take long for something to disappear forever—like the former W. Dale Clark Library or the barn at Boys Town Dairy Farm. No one can photograph them anymore. I try to stay attentive to my surroundings, keeping a record of them—hopefully with a good picture.
For this show, the works are divided into two sections: printed and projected. The framed photos **were mostly captured within the last two years, during the time I still called Omaha home—**with a few exceptions.
The second part consists of projected images. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing life on both sides of the planet.In a time of rising international tension, I wanted to show some of my earlier works from China alongside photographs from the U.S. (mostly taken around Omaha between 2018–2025).
I hope the photographs from China offer a quieter, more personal view into the everyday lives of ordinary Chinese people. Looking back, I wish I had thought more critically about subject matter—but in retrospect, these photos serve as a visual record of the southern China I lived in. They focus on the younger side of Guangzhou, seen through the lens of the young, amateur Jun.
July 21st, 2025
Jun
More information at bffomaha.org/naaf