Trilogy

Trilogy by Lu Nan brings together three photographic series created over fifteen years: The Forgotten People, a poignant exploration of the living conditions of psychiatric patients in China; On the Road, a documentation of the daily lives of Chinese Catholic believers; and Four Seasons, a visual chronicle of Tibetan peasant life.

Together, these series form a major work reflecting three stages of inner life — suffering, purification, and serenity. Previously published only in China, this is the first English-language edition showcasing the work of the acclaimed photographer.

In 1989, Lu Nan began The Forgotten People, visiting nearly 40 mental institutions across ten provinces and major cities, as well as private homes, over two years. Mental illness in China carries significant stigma, and the shortage of trained professionals combined with an inadequate healthcare system often leaves families responsible for care. The photographs can be intense, but Lu Nan balances the harsh realities with moments of tenderness, capturing his subjects with careful, empathetic attention.

The second section, On the Road, depicts the lives of Catholic believers in China. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), religious practice was forbidden — worshippers were arrested, imprisoned, and sometimes tortured, while homes were raided and Bibles confiscated. Between 1992 and 1996, Lu Nan visited over a hundred churches and pilgrimage sites, documenting how faith and devotion are lived in daily life, and the resilience of believers facing discrimination and hardship.

The final section, Four Seasons, focuses on the daily lives of Tibetan peasants whose livelihoods depend on the cycles of nature. Created over seven years and nine separate trips, Lu Nan often stayed with farming families to capture rural life through harsh winters, planting seasons, and autumn harvests, offering an intimate portrait of survival and perseverance in the Tibetan countryside.