Universal Language-Photo by Hu Yang

This picture could have been taken anywhere. New York, Seattle, Vancouver B.C. or Shanghai. Noteworthy is what missing and what is present. There is no cash register or shampoo station. No hair care products on display. There is a radio for entertainment value. Maybe it's tuned to the news or a talk show to enlighten and invite conversation. There is a stairway to who-knows where and what. Likely it's a living area, but it could be an office, a school or another
business. There is another generation represented and not present in the form of Teddy Bear characters on the fabric draping the files. Two people are not directly involved in the haircut. Is the person with the apron cooking, sweeping or even another "barber"? Is the other gentleman with the shop or residence or with the person being groomed? Obviously, they are sharing some communal thought or feeling that makes them smile. Perhaps they are smiling in agreement, or in reflection. It may be just the pleasantness of the day or the easiness of the company. Regardless of their individual roles, in this moment they are community. There is warmth and connectedness, here in this small band, in this small room. I wonder if I would see that as readily if the setting were more 'sophisticated". I enjoyed this picture. The gentleman on the far left reminds me of a dear friend of mine . He has that same look that Winston had when he was about to share or add something interesting to a conversation. It's a small world.
Photos by Hu Yang @ http://www.shanghartphoto.com/