Photographer: Qiyue Zhang

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

I have been deeply influenced by traditional Chinese art since I was a child. I have gradually formed my own understanding of light and shadow and regular shape structure through paper cutting and shadow puppetry. When I came to the United States to study photography, I started my photography career with a mixed Chinese and Western perspective, from books and classrooms to everything under the lens. My works aim to express the emotional expression of individuals or groups with different social identities in different social environments. It is an important part of my practice to explain different events through the perspective of photography.

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

In my collaboration with designers or models, we can always come up with some novel ideas, such as lens perspective, body shape, facial expressions, etc. Because my concept focuses more on the positioning of social identity, different social identities will bring different roles when collaborating with people. I can often more keenly capture the fleeting changes when the roles are switched and extract them into concrete forms. For example, when I work with models, the pauses when the models change from working state to role switching have more natural expressions and movements, which are what I often study and polish.

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?

One of my most challenging projects was a recent submission that tested my creativity due to tight deadlines and a heavy workload. To approach it, I first outlined a clear narrative for the collection, focusing on key themes and emotional arcs. Planning was crucial; I organized shoots, staff, and ensured I had the right equipment. During shooting, I stayed adaptable to overcome unexpected challenges like time changes. Post-production involved meticulous editing to refine the narrative while maintaining the project's essence. This experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, storytelling through imagery, and maintaining focus under pressure. It reinforced my belief in photography's ability to convey powerful narratives, even in demanding circumstances.

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

In the dynamic art world, my work stands out for its fusion of traditional Chinese artistic influences like paper cutting and shadow puppetry with modern photography techniques. These early influences shaped my understanding of light, shadow, and geometric forms, which I've integrated into a unique visual language.

My photography aims to capture the emotional expressions of individuals or groups across diverse social backgrounds in various societal contexts. Collaborating with designers and models, I focus on portraying authentic identities and subtle shifts in character that transcend mere performance. For example, I capture moments where models transition naturally between roles, revealing genuine emotions and gestures.

What makes my approach unique is its blend of Eastern and Western perspectives, offering viewers a deeper insight into human emotions and societal dynamics through a culturally informed lens. This synthesis of traditional aesthetics with contemporary storytelling in photography defines my artistic vision, making my work both distinctive and compelling in today's artistic landscape.

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?

As I reflect on my journey, I have set several specific goals and milestones for my artistic career in the coming years. Firstly, I aim to further refine my unique blend of traditional Chinese artistic influences and modern photography techniques, continually evolving my visual language. This includes exploring new themes and narratives that deepen the cultural and emotional resonance of my work.

Secondly, I aspire to expand the reach of my photography through exhibitions and collaborations both nationally and internationally. Building a stronger presence in the art community and connecting with a diverse audience is pivotal to achieving this goal.

Additionally, I am committed to honing my skills in storytelling through imagery, focusing on capturing authentic human experiences and societal dynamics. This involves continuous learning and experimentation with different photographic styles and technologies to enhance the impact of my narratives.

Ultimately, my overarching goal is to contribute meaningfully to the art world by offering perspectives that bridge cultural divides and provoke thought and emotion. These goals guide my artistic journey, driving me to push boundaries and innovate while staying true to my artistic vision and cultural roots.

6. How did you discover Mob and what made you choose us? <3

I discovered Mob, the magazine, through my search for platforms that appreciate innovative photography. After finding this magazine on Kavyar, where it's currently accepting submissions, I decided to share my photography here. My goal is to showcase my artistic vision and contribute to the diverse perspectives featured in this publication.