Eva Wang – Q&A - The Flux Review

I consider myself a photographer using emotions to connect with the world. Common themes are emotions or situations we cannot fully control. Most work is staged conceptual photography which can involve installation and sculpture. I try to recreate and capture abstract emotions by exploring their connections and interactions with physical objects and the environment, then projecting the meanings onto staged scenes.

Specifically, my work explores interpersonal relationships and desire. I interpret these concepts through photographing a variety of subjects: from objects such as dummies and iron powder to people. My choice of objects is dependent on the information they could carry. I draw from the works of Francesca Woodman and Bernard Faucon. Woodman’s subject of her naked body inspires me of using myself in photos as I am also expressing my personal feelings. Faucon’s capture of sunlight in small simple rooms in his series ROOMS OF LOVE triggers my thoughts about its relation to emptiness.

My work is also intended to invite viewers to associate themselves with its topic, relate their stories, and generate their thoughts and feelings. For example, I have a series of photographs exploring conscious struggle due to social pressures. This complex psychological activity is usually hidden and easily overlooked. Living in a society in China focusing on rapid economic development, individuals’ emotional expression can be limited, which can lead to mental disconnection to their living environment. By making people aware of their emotions, my work helps to create an outlet that connects the inner and outer world, generating energy that comforts viewers to build a stronger existence in society by knowing their emotional weakness is shared and understood.

My goal is to address emotions we have difficulty dealing with, in order to help ourselves understand those issues better and create a stronger connection in society.

Self-taught or art school?

Art school

If you could own one work of art what would it be?

Nan and Brian in bed NYC 1983

: Nan Goldin Nan and Brian in Bed, New York City 1983

How would you describe your style?

Ideas rather than technical skills are the motivations and core. I always produce a sequential series of photographs. I use digital cameras mainly for their efficient and effective functionality. Temporality and tableau emphasize the concepts behind the photographs instead of simple moments of beauty.

Is narrative important within your work?

Yes

Who are your favourite artists and why?

Themes of emotions or situations we cannot fully control mainly inspired by personal experiences run through my own research and photographic practice. This is also true of Nan Goldin’s photography work, which has left an impression on me since the beginning of my practice. Photography is also Goldin’s way to deal with relationships and is closely related to her growth. This fits my admiration for the artist exposing herself or her life, as well as her attention to content rather than technical skills involved in the work, and their significance with regard to uncontrollable emotions or situations.

What or who inspires your art?

My own experience inspires my art.

I draw from the works of Francesca Woodman and Bernard Faucon. Woodman’s subject of her naked body inspires me of using myself in photos as I am also expressing my personal feelings. Faucon’s capture of sunlight in small simple rooms in his series ROOMS OF LOVE triggers my thoughts about its relation to emptiness.

Are there any recurring themes within your work and can you tell us about them?

My work addresses emotions or conflicts we have difficulty dealing with, usually overlooked. How the inability to accept the separation between self and other makes self functionless. Unstoppable fading of affection and lack of domination of self-existence.

Where can we buy your art?

Contact me.

What are your ambitions?