Pixy Liao

Yijun Liao, aka Pixy Liao, is a prime example of a new generation of artists exploring the potential of portraiture and photography.

Biography of Pixy Liao

Pixy Liao was born in 1979 in Shanghai, China. In 2007, she started her famous ongoing project, "Experimental Relationship."

In 2008, she received her MFA in Photogtraphy from University of Memphis in Memphis, USA.

She has been honored with prestigious awards such as the NYFA Fellowship in photography, Santo Foundation Individual Artist Awards, Jimei x Arles International Photo Festival Madame Figaro Women Photographers Award, En Foco's New Works Fellowship, and LensCulture Exposure Awards, among others. Additionally, she has undertaken artist residencies at renowned institutions, including Light Work, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Center for Photography at Woodstock, University of Arts London, School of Visual Arts, Pioneer Works, and Camera Club of New York.

Pixy Liao's photographs have been exhibited widely in various countries. Her notable solo exhibitions include "Piano Duet" at L21 BARCELONA in Spain (2022), "New Wife, Old House" at Chambers Fine Art in New York (2020), "Carry the Weight of You" at Galleri Vasli Souza in Oslo (2019), "Temple for Her" at Flyweight Project in New York (2019), and many more.

The artist has also showcased her artworks in numerous group exhibitions, such as "Personal: A New Form of Documentary Photography" at Shanghai Center of Photography in Shanghai (2023), "Bodies and Souls" at Cassina Projects in Milan (2023, curated by Manuela Lietti in collaboration with Capsule Shanghai), "I have not loved (enough or worked)" at Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth (2022), "Eating Sugar? No, Papa!" at L21 Gallery in Palma Islas Baleares (2021), "Closer" at Blindspot Gallery in Hong Kong (2021), among others. 

Pixy Liao currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Pixy Liao's Art Style

Pixy Liao is primarily recognized for her acclaimed series "Experimental Relationship." These artworks, which portray contemporary relationships, stem from her personal experiences and intimate sphere. However, they also consider socio-cultural pressures, the complexities of nationality in a globalized world, and the evolving dynamics of gender roles. These themes are of significance not only within the Chinese context but also on an international scale.

In this series, she orchestrates photographic scenes alongside her Japanese boyfriend, Moro, in an exploration of how national culture can influence and shape interactions within a romantic relationship. Liao's photographic compositions frequently depict herself in a dominant role, while her boyfriend assumes a submissive position. Liao deliberately arranges her images, often positioning herself above her boyfriend, gazing down upon him, or presenting herself fully clothed while he is naked. These subtle compositions cleverly subvert conventional gender roles within the imagery.

This body of work compels viewers to examine their own perspectives and become participants in the ongoing performance of the couple. Each meticulously staged scene references conventional elements from visual culture or socio-cultural norms. These scenes come to life as we, the audience, engage with them, infusing them with our unique, personal, cultural, and gender perspectives.