GLOBAL YOUNG TALENT 2020: FAY HUANG | CAPTURING STORIES OF FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

In light of Fay Huang’s first-ever feature in Harper’s Bazaar UK, channelling storytelling and femininity in her static yet elegant photographs. we had the pleasure of picking the creative mind of the Chinese artist and read on to discover what makes the perfect image.

Your more conceptual work is often inspired by the human, what made your choose for this topic?

Usually, I prefer to scouting my model in real life rather than picking from an agency. Thus, the model or human, in my work is often chosen at random. This method often leads to unexpected outcomes, which in itself provides inspiring moments.

"Thus, the model or human, in my work is often chosen at random. This method often leads to unexpected outcomes, which in itself provides inspiring moments"

Do you believe femininity and storytelling are the foundation of your work?

Storytelling is the foundation of my work. In fact, my initial intention is merely to tell a story with my work. Perhaps because I am a female photographer, my work tends to be feminine, as my work is also a reflection of me. It’s not necessarily a topic at put at the forefront of my work, it’s something embedded in my creative thinking process.

What inspired you to pursue a career in photography and styling?

Photography and styling is a visual language in itself, it allows me to express my view on human society and often tells a better story than words could ever convey. What inspired and motivated me the most is that photography is ‘real’ compared to fine art such as painting, as photography is a true record of an actual event and human being. I view photography as a mid-way point between media, art and the real world.

"Photography and styling is a visual language in itself, it allows me to express my view on human society and often tells a better story than words could ever convey"

What inspires the shape of your work and the abstract posing often seen in your shoots?

I think the emotion and atmosphere I want to convey are the key elements when I direct my shoots. For example, the posing in my shoots is mostly static, as I can easily be moved by a more simple scenario rather than a dynamic moving one. I decide to make a breakthrough in my future work by adding some exaggerating posing. Body language has always been a window/exit for the emotional expression of models, and sometimes it better expresses the photographer’s intention than the face does.

How do you decide on your location or set design?

It must fit for the theme of my photographs. For example, if I want to express a static feeling, I will tend to choose a silent location and arrange a stable setting that can serve for this emotional expression. I don’t think external beauty is the only factor or criterion to choose a location and a set. I focus much on the metaphor of the objects. For example, forests may represent a natural, vivid and vital scenery. At most times, I prefer clear, comfortable settings of a strong atmosphere of daily life.

" I don’t think external beauty is the only factor or criterion to choose a location and a set"

Discover more of Fay Huang's work here

Words by Lupe Baeyens