The Grey Bricks juxtaposes the coexistence of land and humanity, each both invigorating and consuming the other. Zhejiang, one of the most industrialized areas in China, is also home to some of the richest natural landscapes, including parks, forests, and lakes. Over the past few decades, rapid industrialization has driven the development of shopping centers, hotels, and suburbs to accommodate an emerging affluent class. As construction transforms green landscapes into concrete rows, the working people who power this growth remain largely unchanged in their circumstances.

My video work, The Grey Bricks, tells the story of this rapidly shifting landscape and the individuals who make it possible. It focuses on two friends, local workers who operate a small factory with their families. Despite the sweeping changes around them, they remain tied to the area due to China's household registration system, which makes relocating difficult. Day by day, they put in long hours producing grey bricks, emblematic of the relentless transformation of their surroundings.