Ziyu Wang

Ziyu Wang (b.1998) is a Chinese photographer, who was born in a traditional Chinese family. My work looks to break consensus and reshape outmoded notions of masculinity through performative photographic series.

My photographs juxtapose a tension between expected modes of behaviour as a Chinese man, together with rebellious or provocative counter behaviours. In this way, I am subverting familial and societal expectations by creating a contemporary response to these. I perform scenarios that fulfill a sense of masculinity using self-portraits in intimate surroundings. I look to raise awareness of the misconceptions of the queer experience that still create a barrier between generations, by sharing my own experiences in a confrontation with these stereotypes. Breaking these down into poignant and absurd photographic scenarios is a way of dealing with perceptions of homosexuality, masculinity, and feminity, which is at the heart of my narratives.