Experimental Relationship (2007– Now)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Apr 5

Pixy Liao’s work questions the norm by exploring the alternative possibilities of heterosexual relationships.

Photography Pixy Liao

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As a woman brought up in China, I used to think I could only love someone who is older and more mature than me, who can be my protector and mentor. Then I met my current boyfriend, Moro. Since he is 5 years younger than me, I felt that the whole concept of relationships changed, all the way around. I became a person who has more authority and power. One of my male friends even questioned how I could choose a boyfriend the way a man would choose a girlfriend. And I thought, "Damn right. That’s exactly what I’m doing, and why not!"

I started to experiment with this relationship. I would set up all kinds of situations for Moro and me to perform in the photos. My photos explore the alternative possibilities of heterosexual relationships. They question what is the norm of heterosexual relationships. What will happen if man and woman exchange their roles of sex and roles of power? Because my boyfriend is Japanese, and I am Chinese, this project also describes a love and hate relationship.

“What will happen if man & woman exchange their roles of sex & roles of power?”

This project is an ongoing project which grows with our real relationship but is never meant to be a documentation.

“Because my boyfriend is Japanese, and I am Chinese, this project also describes a love and hate relationship.”

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“I would set up all kinds of situations for Moro and me to perform in the photos.”

About Pixy

Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Pixy Liao is an artist who currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.

She is a recipient of 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.

She has done artist residencies at 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.

Her solo show Your Gaze Belongs to Me is currently running at Fotografiska in New York City from 2nd April – 5th September 2021.

To see more Pixy Liao’s work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram

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JC Verona

Experimental Relationship (2007– Now)

Pixy Liao’s work questions the norm by exploring the alternative possibilities of heterosexual relationships.

“What will happen if man & woman exchange their roles of sex & roles of power?”

“Because my boyfriend is Japanese, and I am Chinese, this project also describes a love and hate relationship.”

“I would set up all kinds of situations for Moro and me to perform in the photos.”

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