"In Case it Rains in Heaven is a series of photographs of items made of joss paper to be burned as offerings for the dead. Traditionally, many Chinese believe that when a person dies, s/he leaves with no earthly possessions and it's up to their descendants to provide for them in the afterlife until their reincarnation. Originally, coins and animals were buried with the dead, but when that proved too expensive for commoners, they began burning joss paper decorated with seals, stamps, silver or gold paint, as offerings to the spirits to ensure they lived well in the afterlife. In the last 50 years, these offerings have become more and more elaborate as objects are molded from the paper, some reflecting traditional culture, but many reflecting the consumer culture which is taking over China. Cars, washing machines and McDonald's meals are made out of the paper, and entire shops have been set up selling an array of joss paper products"
"In Case It Rains In Heaven" is opening on the 3rd February and running until the 3rd of April in Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow.
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