For many expatriates, their experience in Beijing is marked by brief but unforgettable moments, new friendships, expanding families, and the calming routines that gradually transform a foreign city into a home. For Hungarian photographer Monika Schlosser, these moments became the essence of her time in the capital.
As she prepares to depart after four years, she is saying goodbye in the way she knows best: through her photography. Her upcoming exhibition this weekend, "Beijing, With Love," serves both as a farewell and a heartfelt gratitude to the city and community that influenced her work, showcasing the laughter, connections, and daily intimacy that characterize life away from home.
You describe your exhibition, "Beijing, With Love," as a farewell and a thank you. What prompted you to turn your departure into a photographic project? Beijing is not merely a city you relocate to; it’s an incredible adventure. When you first arrive in such a different culture, facing language barriers, the city feels immense, and finding familiar food or an English-speaking hairdresser can be challenging. You often stand there wondering, "What’s next?"
Then you begin to meet more people. You realize that forming connections here is much easier; people are friendlier and more helpful than you’ve ever encountered before. That's how I remember my initial experience of arriving here.
I feel fortunate that through photography, I established many different connections, met incredible individuals, and captured significant moments in their lives. So when it came to leaving, I felt a need to express my gratitude.
This is how the idea for the exhibition arose. I may not be a street photographer, but as I walked through the city, I witnessed love, kindness, laughter, and connections everywhere—elements that I aim to showcase in my photos, primarily of expats. Therefore, it felt organic for this to become the theme of my exhibition. That's how "Beijing, With Love" came to life.
You've spent four years in Beijing. How has your relationship with the city evolved from your initial arrival to now? Sometimes it feels like home, while other times it seems I've barely scratched the surface of Beijing.
There are hidden aspects here, so understanding the city requires effort. Four years is a significant period, so I have my favorite spots—the hutongs, the 798 Art District, and Ritan Park. I frequently shoot in these locations but continually strive to discover new ones.
I have my scooter; I hop on and just ride. This is one of the aspects I will miss most once we leave.
I’ve grown fond of some Chinese cuisine, and I have a better understanding of the culture—albeit not the language. We truly love Beijing. The time spent here has been the best four years of my life so far.
You mention that many of your images focus on small, intimate moments. What draws you to capturing these quiet connections? There's a lot of noise in the world. Numerous negative events are occurring, and people are always in a hurry, with little time to pause. During my sessions, I cherish those moments when time slows down.
I encourage people to take a deep breath, forget about the next thing, and just be present. When you're with your partner, simply look at them, say something kind, or whisper sweet words in their ear. Play with their children and enjoy the moment together.
That’s when the magic unfolds.
You see happiness, love, and connection reflected in the photos. These moments linger with you and may help you through challenging times.
I once had a family shoot and was unaware that the mother was very ill. We had such a joyful time with her and her three children. Later, I learned that she passed away after the session—so those photos likely became their last happy memories together.
There are no words to describe that.
For me, photos represent more than mere images; they are anchors. They should encapsulate good and joyful moments, as those moments truly matter.
Through your photography, have you observed any common emotions or experiences among individuals building lives here? A recurrent theme I notice is the sense of community. People frequently express how special and wonderful this community is. Most residents enjoy their lives here, yet they often miss the "normality" of their home countries. After living here for four to eight years, many are ready to return—at least for a while.
People also genuinely value the safety of living here. As a mother, this aspect is incredibly important to me. And certainly… Taobao—which makes every day feel like a holiday.
You mention that the exhibition explores experiences of arrival, connection, and belonging. Can you elaborate on how you have structured the exhibition around these themes? Imagine arriving here as a foreigner. Gradually, you start to recognize more of the city, begin to enjoy it, fall in love, and start building your life—perhaps a business or a family.
Through intimate moments, I aim to
Enhance your festival experience with these items!
Enhance your festival experience with these items!
Don't miss photographer Monika Schlosser's exhibition this weekend.
Don't miss Monika Schlosser's photography exhibition this weekend.