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allowing for more inclusive and expansive representations of the self.
Your photography combines abstract and surreal elements with rich, delicate emotions. Can you walk us through your creative process and how you capture the psychological depth and inner world of the characters you portray?
My creative process begins with unders- tanding the emotional core of the concept or subject I’m working with. I spend time ref- lecting on the psychological nuances I want to evoke, whether it’s vulnerability, strength, or transformation. From there, I incorporate abstract and surreal elements to create a visual language that mirrors these emotions without being bound by realism. I often use lighting, color, and unconventional angles
As both an artist and a fine art photographer, how do you navigate the balance between fashion photography’s commercial aspects and your more personal, conceptual explorations of gender and the human body?
Navigating between the commercial nature of fashion photography and my personal con- ceptual work requires a constant balancing act. In fashion photography, the visual langu- age often needs to align with brand identity and market trends, which can sometimes feel limiting.
However, I see this as an opportunity to bring my own voice into commercial projects by subtly weaving in themes of gender fluidity and the human body’s complexi-
ties. When working on personal projects,
I have the freedom to fully explore these concepts without constraints, diving deeper into abstract interpretations of identity and embodiment. I strive to find intersections where the artistic and commercial worlds can coexist, creating images that not only fulfil commercial needs but also provoke thought and emotion, allowing both worlds to inform and enrich each other.
You’ve been recognized with prestigious awards like the SONY Young Photographer Award and the World’s Top 10 Women Photographers Con- test. How have these accolades influenced your career, and what role do you see awards playing in the development of your artistic voice?
Receiving awards such as the SONY Young Photographer Award and recognition in
the World’s Top 10 Women Photographers Contest has greatly influenced my exploration of gender, identity, creativity, and technology. These accolades have given me the platform to delve deeper into these themes, allowing me to continue challenging traditional nar- ratives around gender and identity through my work. They have affirmed my artistic direction and opened new pathways for crea- tive collaborations where I can further merge technology with the human form. While awards are not the only validation, they play an important role in providing the space and recognition to push boundaries and experi- ment more freely, encouraging me to expand my exploration of posthumanism, fluidity, and innovation in both photography and art.
As you pursue your PhD at King’s College London, how do you integrate your academic research with your visual art practice? Are there any particular philosophical or theoretical concepts that have recently inspired your work?
My PhD research has deeply informed and enriched my visual art practice. I explore
the intersections of posthumanism, gen-
der studies, and identity, drawing heavily from theoretical frameworks that challenge human-centric perspectives. Concepts such as Donna Haraway’s cyborg theory and Rosi Braidotti’s posthuman subjectivity have parti- cularly inspired me to think beyond traditio- nal representations of the body. These ideas resonate in my photography, where I often merge organic and mechanical elements to represent fluidity in identity and gender. The academic environment allows me to critically engage with these philosophical discourses and translate them into visual narratives. My research also helps me push the boundaries of how technology, the human form, and iden- tity interact, making both my scholarly and artistic work extensions of each other.
to suggest an altered or dream-like reality, allowing the viewer to step into the internal world of the character. During the shoot, I work closely with the model, encouraging them to channel specific emotions, which helps bring out a raw, authentic expression. The delicate balance between surreal imagery and emotional depth is where I believe the psychological richness of my work emerges.
COVER DIALOGUE
J”In my pho- tography, I use
oriental metaphors to challenge and expand traditional gender narratives.”
– Yang
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