by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 14^th of October 2024

Chenyi Wang's conceptual still life work is unique. It is not just still life photography but food for the soul.
She quotes: 'The most important experience for me is to break out of my usual perspective and change the tools I use to create. To be honest, it's quite challenging. It's about making the images richer, deeper and more visually diverse, while at the same time creating a personal connection between the image and the viewer.'
She claims that photography has the power to lift people up, to motivate them to learn more and to explore new things and she is so right.
Let us wander together through her world and discover more about this fine lady artist. 

静 – translation 'quiet'

When and how did your photographic journey begin?
I began my journey into still life photography in mid 2002. For most of the following months I devoted myself to emulating and learning from others, particularly their techniques of lighting, composition and colour coordination. However, I soon realised that the images I was creating were not resonating with me on a deeper, more personal level. It became clear that I needed to cultivate my own unique style of expression. What is it that I really appreciate when I look at a painting? Is it an expression of the present moment, a record of a series of thoughts, or perhaps a subtle form of self-deprecation? I recognised the need for transformation.

白和绿 – translation 'White and green'

For many of us, photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship to photography?
Photography is a great friend of mine. I think it gives me warmth during the hard days, and even when I'm at a low point in my life, it fills me with hope and confidence. Photography has the power to lift people up, to motivate them to learn more and explore new things. When someone does something they love, they really shine, don't they?

What would you say is the most important experience that has influenced your steps in photography?
I've gotten used to following a fixed shooting pattern to create my images. So the most important experience for me is to break out of my usual perspective and change the tools I use to create. To be honest, it's quite challenging. It's about making the images richer, deeper and more visually diverse, while at the same time creating a personal connection between the image and the viewer. That's what I'm going through now - the challenges I need to overcome and the areas where I need to push myself.

破碎 – translation 'broken'

You have your own style of creating exquisite conceptual still life photographs. Can you explain why you are so drawn to this type of image?
What actually motivates me to make these photographs? I want the viewer to pause for a few seconds when they look at the picture and have a question in their mind: "What exactly is she capturing?" My photographs are not conventionally attractive. There is a little story - when my mother sees them, she often says, "Chen, what are you photographing? Why are the pictures so dark?" But then she adds that they make her think. I want my work to carry a thought, a concept, a mood, or even a desire for freedom. They are not perfect, much like ourselves - full of mysteries waiting to be explored, with multiple possible interpretations. I like it when, when looking at my photographs, an inner voice asks, "What am I seeing?" There is no definitive answer, only the process of observation.

空间 – translation 'space'

冥想 – translation 'meditation'

What is more important to you, the mood/story behind your images or technical perfection?
When the time comes, you have to learn to accept and adapt. There are moments when I feel that I cannot go on with my photography. Looking at the props in front of me, I feel no inspiration. The creative process is a journey from conception to realisation - that is the structure. Within that journey, achieving something meaningful is the theme. Adding elements of interest or a unique touch is what brings artistry to the work. The whole process of photography is about managing the relationship between structure, meaning and art. Along the way, various challenges inevitably arise. At such moments, it is necessary to reassess the intended subject, let go of previous concepts and, if necessary, start again.

游戏 – Translation 'game'

'Facing the unknown'

What is your relationship to your subject matter in general, beyond being an observer?
Every photograph has a theme, something that helps the viewer understand the photographer's original intention. People tend to look at a work and wonder if it has meaning. Just like in life, if you have a theme, you have direction. The art of living often shines through the ideas that a picture suggests. The fleeting emotions of real life are revealed through the characteristics of the subject being photographed. Although life is short and limited, we can still take the time to enjoy the happiness it brings. For me, the theme is about an inner dialogue - balancing clarity and blurriness, strength and weakness, highs and lows. It's about focusing on being natural and spontaneous, keeping things simple and real, with a bit of peace, a bit of fun and a bit of reflection.

'space and time'

Do you prepare the places you want to photograph carefully?
The place where I shoot is a small studio I set up in my garage. It's filled with props I've collected, photo lights I've bought, and a few small tables for shooting. Whenever I feel inspired or have an idea, I go there and start setting things up. It doesn't always lead to great results. Sometimes I sit there quietly for over an hour, just staring at the props, unable to turn the ideas in my head into reality, which can be quite frustrating.

'combination'

Describe your general photographic vision.
That is a very interesting question. The term "horizon" originally referred to the limit of our visible world. In photography we can observe, remember and reflect. Through the lens we can interpret time and space. I believe it is essential to cultivate a habit of curiosity. Constantly updating one's photographic concepts and techniques aims to expand the horizons of what we know. As we grow, we internalise many established ideas, and our cultural background provides a specific perspective for our thinking. However, we must constantly remind ourselves not to be limited by our own perspective.

时空里,自由的行动是完整的自我 – translation 'In time and space, free action is the complete self'

Could you please tell us more about your workflow from idea to final product?
I've set myself a small task: to shoot one or two still lifes each week. Each day I spend some time thinking about the details of the shoot, capturing random thoughts, fleeting moments and sparks of inspiration. When an idea comes to me, I make sure to write it down for future reference. The process starts with jotting down any ideas or inspirations that come up. Next, I go through several rounds of lighting adjustments and prop arrangements, experimenting until I'm satisfied. The third step is the actual shooting, and finally I use Photoshop for post-production to achieve the final result I'm after.

'relationship'

Where do you look for inspiration and what inspires you most?
Inspiration can be said to come from within; it's the space perceived by our inner senses. What we observe is not just the object itself, but the relationship between the object and ourselves. This connection begins with the feelings evoked by our experience of seeing - feelings rooted in everyday life, film, music and art. Our 'vision' and 'senses' precede words, and sometimes it's impossible to define them with simple language. My aim is to capture this feeling in my photographs - it's as simple as that. It is this idea that inspires and motivates me.

缩水了 – translation 'Shrink'

'exist'

Many people think that the equipment is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. But could you please tell us what equipment you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?
I use a Nikon camera, usually with a 50mm prime lens and a 24-70mm zoom lens, along with a standard tripod for shooting. For indoor still life photography, this equipment is more than adequate.

现实与美好 – translation 'Reality and beauty'

What is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.
Using familiar objects as part of my photographic language, Lost is one of my favourite works. Although this image may seem ordinary, it was the first time I truly and fully expressed my emotions in that moment. The chair, balloon and rope represent myself, hope and perseverance, and the connection between them. We face setbacks and our hearts may feel lost, but reality reminds us that this feeling is temporary. By moving forward and persevering, each step brings us closer to the light and ignites the fire within. The blue-grey tones in the photo are intended to convey a sense of mystery and dreaminess within a calm atmosphere, enhancing the overall mood.

失落 – translation 'Lost'

独自 – translation 'Unique'

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose work has influenced you and your photography?
There are many photographers I admire, in a variety of styles, but I tend to favour those whose work inspires me, who have a sense of exploration and independent creativity. I've been lucky to have two mentors: Alex Zhao in 2019 and Bingo Z in 2022. Their ideas, from enlightenment and rationality to exploration and innovation, have had a crucial influence on me.
Alex Zhao's philosophy is that what we see in the world is only an insignificant fragment, and the world before us is unfathomable. With a sense of awe, one must integrate personal wisdom into the language of photography. On the other hand, Bingo Z's work explores themes of poetry, fantasy and the subconscious, which resonates deeply with me. His images, detached from mundane concerns or set in a dreamlike realm, use the delicate interpretation of the soul to breathe new life into the original subject, transforming it completely.
Learning is a long-term process. The development of imagination, the investment of emotion and the integration of intellectual projection all require continuous learning of the knowledge and skills of photography.

牵挂 – translation 'care'

站得紧紧的 – translation 'Stand tight'

Is there anything else you would like to add and what do you think of 1X as a home base for your work?
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this interview. Since I joined 1X in November 2022, I have had the opportunity to meet many talented photographers. Their work, creative journeys and reflections on their experiences have given me a whole new perspective. It has also given me the opportunity to showcase my own work. Thank you very much!

Thank you for your enriching answers, dear Chenyi.