This contradiction plays heavily into the power that each image conveys, because each person that Chao photographs displays a remarkable range of honesty and emotion that seems to long for a return to the simple pleasures of family, work, and relaxation - not another night of firing rockets or setting land mines. Given the political and military circumstances in Burma, Chao could have followed the lead of photographers like Susan Meiselas and Bill Burke whose gritty and dramatic images chronicling rebel resistance in Nicaragua and Cambodia have received wide praise and attention. But Chao's portraits have more in common with the simple style of August Sander's portraits of German workers and Fazal Sheikh's evocative images of refugees in Northern lkenya. Chao's goal for this project is to bring greater attention and awareness to the democracy movement in Burma. It is hoped that the publication of the work here will help him realize that goal.
Public awareness is only one ingredient necessary to resolve conflicts or end tyranny.
Chan Chao has provided us with that essential ingredient and has challenged us to add to the mixture with force and resolve.