Interview
Tianqi Liao
Tianqi is interested in blending the languages of conceptual and documentary photography to position banality within a lens of scrutiny. Her work seeks to extract seemingly mundane moments to amplify them into absurdity. In her series, she offers reflective presentations that interrogate the interplay between permanence and transience and reality and idealization, underpinned by philosophical inquiries.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“When I was fourteen, I begged my mother for a point-and-shoot Sony Cybershot camera that was water resistant. At that time, I was learning how to swim, and I wanted to show people what I could see underwater. I didn’t know at the time, but looking retroactively, I think I was fascinated by the power of perspective - how dramatically different the world looked when viewed through the lens of water. The camera became an extension of my vision, allowing me to share the refracted light. This fascination with observation has become the cornerstone of my artistic practice. I am deeply committed to capturing and conveying these observations through the visual language of photography, which I find to be a powerful tool for dialogue and expression. This approach to art is not merely about documenting what I see; it's about interpreting and communicating deeper truths and contradictions that often go unnoticed. As a photographer, I am particularly intrigued by the everyday friction between societal expectations and personal experiences. This fascination is evident in my work, where I employ photography to scrutinize these subtleties and contradictions.”
What inspires you?
“Inspiration for me is drawn from the less obvious, often overlooked facets of daily life - the way evening light lingers on a building or the layered textures of an urban scene. I'm moved by the interplay of history and modernity in our surroundings and how this reflects in the collective psyche. Theoretical frameworks and the subtleties of individual behavior observed in quiet moments also provoke my curiosity and creativity. My art is fueled by the challenge of encapsulating complex emotions and abstract concepts in a single frame, seeking to engage viewers on a level that prompts introspection and a reevaluation of the familiar.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my work, I strive to meld the distinct languages of conceptual and documentary photography, turning a critical eye on the ordinary to unveil its hidden layers and latent absurdities. This approach is vividly manifested in two key series: "Aeons From the Scorching Sun" and "Utopian Visions." In "Aeons From the Scorching Sun," I explore the omnipresence of the sun - a traditional symbol of aspiration - using it to highlight the ephemeral nature of human existence juxtaposed against its enduring presence. This series is deeply rooted in phenomenological principles, challenging viewers to reconsider how they perceive the sun's subtle yet constant influence on our daily lives, from the mundane to the monumental. By emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow, I invite a contemplation of how the sun shapes our perceptions and experiences, making visible the cycles of transience and permanence that define our existence. "Utopian Visions," on the other hand, critiques the idealized constructs of societal perfection, illustrating the fragile boundary between utopian beliefs and dystopian realities. Through a series of idyllic yet ironic images, this work satirizes the extreme ideals of utopianism, exposing the contradictions and vulnerabilities within these visions. It delves into the impact of such ideologies on the individual and collective psyche, highlighting the precarious balance between visionary aspirations and harsh realities. This series employs a stark dichotomy of utopian and dystopian outcomes to provoke thought and discussion about the feasibility of achieving an ideal state and the inherent challenges in striving for such perfection.
Both series are underpinned by a desire to challenge and expand the viewer’s understanding of the familiar, prompting a deeper reflection on the inherent dualities and dynamics that shape our world. Through these works, I aim to encourage a more profound consideration of what constitutes an ideal society and the complex interplay between visibility and invisibility, permanence and transience, in shaping our collective and personal landscapes.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my works as quiet contemplations. My approach is methodical and introspective, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed but are rich with narrative potential. By embedding layers of meaning that can be peeled back differently by each observer, I encourage a deeper engagement with the imagery. The familiar becomes a canvas for the unexpected, prompting viewers to question their perceptions and the ways in which they engage with art.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I've been deeply inspired and influenced by a number of female photographers with strong narrative elements in their work. Whether it’s through staged scenes, intimate portraits, or long-term projects, photographers such as Alex Prager, Tania Franco Klein, and Carolyn Drake create images that tell stories or provoke the viewer to infer stories, imbuing their photographs with a cinematic or documentary-like depth. Additionally, Elizabeth Hibbard’s work, particularly in her series "Swallow the Tail," resonates deeply with me for its exploration family politics, gender, and identity. Her approach to capturing the liminal spaces between intimacy and isolation, as well as desire and revulsion, offers a raw and revealing look at personal and familial identities.”
“Inspiration for me is drawn from the less obvious, often overlooked facets of daily life - the way evening light lingers on a building or the layered textures of an urban scene.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is very much connected to my personal growth. This begins with simple ideas that I’ll jot down, an epiphany that arises from reading an article, or a journey to a new place with fresh experiences. These small seeds of inspiration are crucial to my artistic development and often serve as the foundation for a project. Over time, these initial sparks are nurtured by further research, exploration, and introspection, allowing them to evolve into fully formed concepts. Shooting is also a very explorative phase for me. I work mostly with digital photography, which allows for immediate feedback and adjustments. This flexibility is vital as it lets me experiment with different angles, lighting, and settings on the spot. I often find that my most powerful images come from an organic blend of careful planning and spontaneous adjustments in response to the live environment. Post-production is where I refine the images to match the initial vision I had in mind or, sometimes, the new direction the project has taken. This could involve color grading to evoke specific emotions or cropping to improve composition. Overall, I would say that my creative process is a continuous loop of inspiration, execution, and reflection.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is multifaceted, encompassing the reflection, critique, and celebration of the world around us. Photography uniquely straddles the realms of realistic documentation and artistic expression, capturing life’s details while reframing them through a distinct lens. I see this role becoming more prominent in the future as the demand for visual content continues to grow and the influence of images becomes increasingly significant in our digital age.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My work from the project titled "Aeons from the Scorching Sun" was previously included as part of Noorderlicht, and the selects from the series "Utopian Visions" was exhibited at a gallery space in Beijing in 2021. Additionally, my works have also been published on C41, Fisheye, Ain't Bad, Phroom, Leap Magazine, and Broad Magazine.”
Website: www.tianqi-liao.com
Instagram: @tiann.qi
