The Chinese call people of the same age-group and sharing the same ideals, “kindred spirits”. We called ourselves “kindred spirits” because we are of the same generation and took part in the exhibitions of the April Photography Association from 1979 to 1981 due to our common ideals.

Thirty years ago, the April Photography Association was the first independent large-scale society for the arts, formed by local photographers from Beijing, some of whom had already achieved much and some of whom had not yet gained any fame. They fought for their ideals together regardless of obstacles.

The exhibitions of the April Photography Association expressed the directness、relevance、curiosity and talent of the members. They stood together regardless of all difficulties and the temptations of personal fame and gain, so receiving a good reputation in society at large.

Like an ice-breaking boat striking ahead through a frozen river, the April Photography Association had played a pioneering role that couldn’t be underestimated.

But, its exhibitions ended in 1982 when the members of the April Photography Association had achieved their aims and objectives. It was considered a perfect ending.

How time flies! Dramatic changes have been taken place in the fabric of urban and suburban life. In today’s world of material desires, to recall former exhibitions that were somehow more simple and na?ve, still has the power to make us excited and to cherish the memories of this time.

How many more periods of “thirty-years” will we have? Shouldn’t we get together with some congenial ‘kindred spirits’ and again do something in the spirit of this Association? To commemorate the achievements of the previous generation, and to inspire the actions of the present, the members of the April Photography Association were invited by InterGallery to hold this exhibition.