Muwei
Photographer: Beini Xu
1. What driving force motivates you as an artist and keeps you going?
After graduating from art school, I didn't become a professional artist, and I currently work in the energy industry. However, I can't give up the joy and passion that art creation brings me. It makes me feel free and alive, so I picked up photography as a window for emotional expression. Being able to capture moments that reflect the complexities of human emotions and identities keeps me motivated to continue this artistic journey.
2. Collaboration can be important for artists. Tell us about your team and how they contribute to your work.
I currently work alone. I handle everything by myself, from planning to costume selection, styling, makeup, and photography. However, I am open to the idea of collaborating with like-minded individuals, especially those who share a passion for fashion and can bring unique perspectives to enhance the artistic vision of my work.
3. Can you tell us about your creative process, from the initial idea to the final result?
It starts with understanding my subjects on a personal level, planning the concept, and then bringing it to life through carefully crafted photography sessions and post-processing techniques to achieve the desired emotional impact. I love to focus on people themselves, observing the contradictions and struggles between their displayed social status and self-identity. My models are all my friends, and I create works that showcase their identities based on their personalities, bringing them back to their true selves.
4. What challenges have you faced in your career so far, and how have you overcome them?
One of the challenges I've encountered is finding the right outfit for each photoshoot to fit my specific vision. To address this, I've been resourceful in utilising ready-to-wear clothing for basic styling and experimented with different approaches to achieve the desired visual aesthetics. Additionally, I actively seek opportunities to connect with other artists and fashion enthusiasts, hoping to find potential collaborators who can complement and enrich my creative process.
5. What led you to choose Mob, and what are your career aspirations in this field?
I chose Mob magazine because it's very inclusive and accepts diverse artwork. Their support for unconventional ideas and willingness to embrace different perspectives align with my artistic vision. My career aspiration in this field is to further develop my skills and artistic expression, collaborating with professionals to create compelling works that challenge norms, inspire emotions, and make a positive impact on viewers. I hope to contribute my unique voice to the art community and foster connections with like-minded individuals who appreciate and resonate with my artwork.
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Photographer: Beini Xu @supercharlotte_
Model: Muwei Cinder @muweicinder