Hong Ying, a luminary in the world of literature and poetry, continues to astonish her audience by branching into the realm of visual arts. On a crisp September day, the doors of Beijing’s Yuan Museum swung open to reveal a mesmerizing array of photographs, each a testament to Hong’s keen observational prowess and innate aesthetic sensibility. These 60 handpicked pieces encapsulate memories and moments from her journeys across the globe over several decades.
Although her foray into filmmaking was recent, with her debut film “Moonlight Warrior” in 2021 receiving high praise and accolades across the American cinematic landscape, Hong’s tryst with the camera predates this cinematic venture. Her photography exhibit, aptly titled “How to Become a Fish,” draws inspiration from her semi-autobiographical novel, “Daughter of the River.” The title is a beautiful homage to her birthplace, Chongqing Municipality, nestled beside the majestic Yangtze River in Southwest China. In her writings, she often reflects on the river’s profound impact on her life, molding her existence akin to a fish nurtured by its waters.
The photographs, curated from her extensive travels to regions like Italy, Britain, and Japan, seamlessly weave into a triptych narrative – delineated into three categories: water, the world, and spirit. For Hong, the art of capturing a moment with the lens transcends mere visual representation. She likens photography to the art of poetry – fleeting, intense, and deeply personal. It is her canvas to externalize her innermost feelings, dreams, and remembrances. This emotional core is evident in her works, which, while diverse in subject and setting, consistently evoke a surreal, almost ethereal feeling of floatation, pulling the viewer into her dreamlike reverie.
In the past, she has alluded to her perspective as being akin to that of a fixed-focus lens. This self-comparison highlights her ability to perceive the world with a heightened clarity, where the myriad experiences and visuals converge, reflecting the profound and intricate tapestry of her inner thoughts and emotions.
Luo Yi, the meticulous curator behind the exhibit, perfectly encapsulated the magic of Hong’s visual narratives. Through her lens, the ordinary becomes extraordinary – from the hypnotic allure of flower stamens to the enigmatic allure of silent monks, from the poignant tales etched on women’s bodies to the luminescent innocence in a child’s gaze. As one navigates the exhibit, it becomes evident that these images aren’t mere photographs; they are windows to Hong Ying’s soul, offering a fleeting glimpse into her world of dreams, memories, and boundless imagination.
READ MORE: