Photographer: Alex Lv

1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?

Growing up in Shanghai, China, I spent the first 17 years of my life immersed in East Asian culture and aesthetics. This rich heritage profoundly influenced my perception of beauty. However, as I developed a passion for fashion photography, bridging these two worlds has been both a challenge and a rewarding learning experience. Recently, I’ve been exploring a unique artistic vision that blends my cultural heritage with contemporary fashion, finding a compelling middle ground between East and West.

2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?

I always have a lot of random ideas buzzing around, especially when it comes to photography, and I always allow 20% freedom in my creation. This approach leaves room for spontaneous creativity from everyone on the team. One great example of this is actually this cover shoot for Mob Magazine, with my close friend, muse, and stylist, Kitty Le. This freedom allowed us to experiment on the spot, and sometimes these unplanned elements led to the most refreshing and unexpected results. It’s this collaborative, open-minded approach that keeps our work evolving and exciting. Having the trust from the team always feels great!

3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?

Last year, I worked on a project with my talented designer friend Jiaying Qian, which pushed my creative boundaries in an exciting new way. It was my first time incorporating Artificial Intelligence into the shoot’s creative process. When she presented her new design, I knew instantly that I have to be unconventional with the approach. As a creative artist, I believe it’s essential to stay aware of the evolving tools and inspirations around us and to leverage them to expand our vision. This experience taught me the importance of embracing new technologies to enhance and transform my creative work.

4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?

My lighting skills are definitely one of my strongest assets and set my work apart. While having a strong artistic vision is crucial, the ability to manipulate light effectively is what truly brings that vision to life. I am always open to new ideas and love experimenting on the spot, which allows me to create unique results. I’m also not afraid to make mistakes, as I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it’s personal passion project or commercial shoot, my flexibility and willingness to take risks have been key to my success and will continue to drive my career forward.

5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?

Moving to New York City has been my biggest goal so far, and it represents a significant step in my artistic journey. Being in the heart of the art and fashion capital will broaden my perspective and help elevate my career to the next level. It’s important for me to immerse myself in the latest trends and see what’s happening on a global scale. My goal for the upcoming year is to build a stronger portfolio in the U.S. and to establish meaningful connections within the art community. Expanding my network and reaching new audiences will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of my career.os.