Supported jointly by the Luo Bonian Art Foundation and Three Shadows +3 Gallery, "Glinting Light: An Exploration of Luo Bonian's Photography" debuted at the Jimei x Arles International Photography Festival in 2024, presenting the highly anticipated first solo exhibition in China of the Republic of China-era photographer Luo Bonian. The exhibition will embark on a spring tour to Three Shadows Photography Art Centre.In December 2025, his works will be featured in the group exhibition "Global Pictorialism " at Tate Modern in the UK.

This exhibition focuses on the photographic practice and exploration of Luo Bonian, a "self-taught" banker, during the golden decade from 1930 to 1940. It features a selection of nearly 100 photographic silver gelatine originals with a distinctive personal artistic style, encompassing human landscapes, experimental collages, and still-life arrangements. These works not only demonstrate Luo Bonian's solid photographic skills but also reveal his unique insights into life and art. The exhibition will also display precious private photographic learning materials of Luo Bonian, ranging from imported books and film boxes to magazines featuring his works, as well as heartwarming photos with family and friends. Additionally, through an interview with Ms. Luo Hangyan, Luo Bonian's granddaughter who lived with him for nearly 40 years, we gain a more vivid and multidimensional view of Luo Bonian and his kaleidoscopic artistic world.

Luo Bonian's photographic style was unique and versatile, blending the charm of the pictorialist style with avant-garde elements of Western modernist photography to form his own distinctive style. This was attributed to his extensive knowledge and fervent affection for new culture. He constantly absorbed the essence of Western modernist photography, daring to try and experiment. Furthermore, Luo Bonian forged deep friendships with elites in the literary and artistic circles, including renowned writers like Yu Dafu and artists like Cao Xiyu. Their exchanges and discussions further enriched the cultural connotation and artistic value of Luo Bonian's photographic works.

Luo Bonian was not only an excellent photographer but also a wise man who had insight into the essence of life. He published articles in the magazine "Life at the Bank of China," advocating the concept of "artistic living," viewing photography as a means to enrich life rather than a career. This relaxed yet rigorous, free yet profound creative attitude filled his photographic works with the breath of life and the charm of art.

Between 1938 and 1946, China was in the stage of the War of Resistance Against Japan. Luo Bonian was also affected by the war. However, during these difficult years, he remained steadfast in his love and dedication to photographic art, turning his lens to objects within reach at home as the themes of his artistic creation. These still-life works are not only a testament to his photographic career but also a repository of his spiritual world. Today, as we span nearly a century to view these photographic originals slightly glistening with silver due to time's erosion, we can almost feel those once dreamlike moments gradually coalescing into the shape of life.

This exhibition is not only a review and tribute to Luo Bonian's photographic exploration but also aims to convey his perseverance and talent, as well as his love and dedication to life, to everyone fortunate enough to witness it.