Beijing-based husband-and-wife team Chow, an award-winning photojournalist, and Lin, an economist by training and MFA graduate, combined their expertise to create an art project that intertwines visual storytelling with economic data. Their journey was not without challenges. Navigating varying definitions of poverty across different countries, sourcing accurate data, and gaining access to often hidden communities required persistence and adaptability. Yet, their commitment led to a compelling body of work that captures the stark differences in what can be purchased for a day’s food budget across diverse regions. Exhibited at major venues like the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok and Arles Les Rencontres De La Photographie, The Poverty Line has sparked critical conversations about economic inequality and food security. It was also acquired by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum in Beijing, cementing its significance in contemporary art. The work has not only gained recognition in the art world but has also catalysed important discussions on how poverty impacts daily life for billions of people around the world. For Chow and Lin, The Poverty Line is both a personal and professional endeavour. The duo is dedicated to challenging perceptions of poverty, showing that it is not a fixed number but a lived reality that varies greatly depending on geography and culture. The project explores the vital connection between food, survival and dignity, urging viewers to reflect on the global inequalities that persist today. The Poverty Line continues to provoke thought and empathy, deepening awareness of the disparities that shape lives worldwide. ∞