The Chinese language photographer shares the tales behind a number of images on show in his new Arles exhibition, Colors of Love
Over the previous decade, Lin Zhipeng (aka 223) has develop into an vital determine in up to date Chinese language images. “The work of 223 reveals the center of counterculture,” explains his gallerist, Luigi Clavareau. “Photographing younger folks having fun with life and love – passing via moments of melancholy and liberated sexuality – he challenges not solely the conservatism imposed by society, however the indifferences of his homeland.” By prepared a close-knit neighborhood into existence through the very act depiction, 223 has created a panorama of his personal: one in all our bodies that know each affection and fury, one in all different behaviour that turns into political in a symbolic means.
By no means afraid to get too shut, spatially or emotionally, 223’s life is gently interwoven with the candid scenes he depicts. The digital camera’s “third eye” turns into a type of catalyst for spontaneous and collaborative video games, the place flowers, fruits, props and the physique work together. Following the arc of his work, you will see the identical folks reappearing years later. Some have moved elsewhere – to Beijing, Shanghai or overseas – and a few have damaged up with their lovers. “Time can remodel us as rapidly as it will probably strengthen or tarnish our social relationships,” says 223. “That is why I’ve been capturing my greatest pals for years. Each time I see them, I take their {photograph} once more. I want to do that till we die, merely to specific the passage of time.”
Such is the melancholic undercurrent within the work of 223, who named himself after the lovelorn cop of Wong Kar-wai’s effervescent 1994 movie Chungking Specific. Like all silent movie, the drama of 223’s images is visible and emotional. A range are on show in Love Songs at Paris’ MEP, for which curator Simon Baker has cherry-picked among the best love tales in images, and a brand new solo exhibition has simply opened at L’Espace Sinibaldi in Arles, entitled Colors of Love. The latter takes us into a wonderful intimacy that’s as filled with platonic as romantic affection, and as dedicated to the mysterious enterprise of residing as to the distinctive magic of loving. The pictures really feel tender and bodily, bathed in vivid colors that appear to rise out of the body. In any case, 223’s topics usually are not passive, however impassioned. They don’t search refuge in fictions, however within the haptic realness of each other. If that is fantasy, then it aspires to intimacy, affinity, care – to fugitive moments of closeness that depart lasting impressions on the center.
Right here, in his personal phrases, 223 shares the recollections behind the pictures in Colors of Love.
Justine and Jojo’s Love, 2005 (lead picture)
“This {photograph} was taken on the Parisian resort Grand Amour, the place I shot Asian fashions for 3 entire days. I knew Jojo again in China, the place we had been digital pen friends. Right here she is along with her girlfriend, Justine. We spontaneously drew a coronary heart in purple lipstick, as if to specific the bond they shared.”
Inexperienced Mild, 2010
“That is Harlem, my ex-boyfriend, in a Malaysian resort room. It was the primary time we went on a visit collectively. I used to be so obsessed along with his physique and picture that I wished to take images of him all day. I suppose this {photograph} speaks to that obsession.”
Pumpkin Is a Lady, 2013
“I used to be photographing homosexual {couples}, and reached out to many individuals via social media. A number of {couples} in Chengdu answered, and so I went there and shot for about one week. That is Nangua, who’s been a fan of mine for a very long time, resting on her girlfriend’s chest. The purple sheets make for a hanging visible.”
Jinjing and Liuliu within the Pink Mild, 2017
“Jinjing and Liuliu had not been collectively for therefore lengthy at the moment. But they had been full of affection and fervour. We had been gathered collectively of their small Beijing bed room, speaking and consuming and listening to music. When their tongues touched, they appeared to go deep inside each other.”
Metropolitan Pores and skin, 2017
“Fujie, who lives in Hangzhou, came around me in Shanghai. I discovered a bottle of purple wine, and I had the concept to pour it into the bath. This was the second time I took footage of Fujie. I keep in mind his physique being so comfortable and nonetheless … You may say he was like a foetus, floating in a womb.”
Rising Crops, 2019
“Yan was about to depart Beijing and return residence to Xiamen, so we organized a date at one other pal’s home. She was late and hungover, so I advised that she ought to lie down and relaxation – and she or he did. The sunshine was good that day, and the flowers had grown.”
Colors of Love by Lin Zhipeng, (in)(between file vol. 45) runs at L’Espace Sinibaldi, Arles till 31 August 2022.
