The Things We Can't Change

Can you walk me through your journey from traditional Chinese medicine to photography?

My mother is a doctor, and I grew up in a hospital setting, seeing patients with all sorts of illnesses daily. Later, I studied medicine, a field centered around people. Many years later, when I first picked up a camera, my focus naturally shifted back to people. Of course, my journey from treating photography as a simple hobby to truly understanding its power as a form of self-expression was filled with serendipitous revelations. It was during a chance visit to the White Night Lantern Festival 20 years ago that I suddenly realized how incredible our world is, like stepping into a magical wonderland.

What do you think your camera sees that your eyes miss?

The camera is just a tool to capture the moment I see. Without these photos, I can't tell others what I saw, so what I photograph is what I saw. Observation is the most important thing.

Are there parallels between your photographs and medicine? Do you ever think about your photographs as a form of diagnosis?

There is no obvious parallel between my photography and medicine, but I do think it bears resemblance to Traditional Chinese Medicine's dialectical approach to treatment. This unique way of observation and thinking allows me to easily identify problems, much like a doctor examining a patient. Of course, I'm merely aware of the problem, or perhaps even raising it, but I can't prescribe the right medicine like a doctor would. While we can heal illnesses and save lives, we can't change reality.

How did you develop your style?

My style is probably my unique way of observing. When shooting, I instinctively use direct flash to freeze the image. Flash is like stage lighting, illuminating the actors, and like the shadowless light in an operating room, it reveals the details. I must admit that all of this happened by chance. I didn't have any style in mind at the beginning. It was only through more practice that I formed my own attitude and style.

What draws you in? Is there something that you see that you always follow? 

I never set any expectations for myself. I always carry a camera because I never know what I'll encounter or see next. I surrender myself to life rather than following clues. My life trajectory is my visual landscape. It seems like fate has blessed me, as I constantly see surreal scenes in seemingly ordinary reality, it fills me with curiosity.

What does the word "truth" mean to you?

This world is just a makeshift troupe.

I feel a bit of humor in your photos, yet at the same time a little tinge of discomfort.  Are you laughing with the world or at it? 

The humor in my photos is dry. Many people find them amusing, but I personally find it disconcerting, knowing that behind these moments of laughter lies a potential tear. Isn't the core of drama tragedy?

If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing?

I can't imagine not being able to take pictures.

Is there another medium that you want to try next?

I slowly experiment with using video to express myself, because sometimes static photographs lack information. But photography is still my most important medium. I won't change just for the sake of change.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

Anything related to life.

What’s the weirdest thing in your trashcan? 

I keep all the weird things; they don't end up in the trash. I even find weird things from the trash quite often. Last month, I found four abandoned kittens from the trash.

What is your dream office?

A cluttered, large, unadorned space.

What was the last thing in your google search?

I rarely search online; I prefer to observe things in real life.