Conversations with Lianghong Ke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lianghong Ke

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Zhongshan City, a vibrant town nestled in southern China. My childhood was filled with curiosity and creativity, though it wasn’t until high school, when I moved to Hawaii, that I truly discovered the passion that would shape my future.

Hawaii offered a whole new world of possibilities. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, I found myself captivated by the natural beauty that seemed to be everywhere. It was there, in the islands’ sunrises and ocean waves, that I fell in love with photography. What began as a hobby quickly turned into something much deeper—a way to express myself and capture the world as I saw it.

With the decision to pursue photography as a career, I knew I needed more formal training. After high school, I enrolled at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), a school renowned for fostering creative talent. Here, I learned not only the technical skills of photography but also the power of storytelling through images. MICA’s rigorous program pushed me to explore the deeper relationship between technology, art, and humanity—subjects that continue to inspire my work today.

The journey from China to Hawaii to Baltimore may seem like a winding path, but each step has brought me closer to understanding my voice as an artist. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about capturing the essence that hide beneath the surface that would otherwise go untold. And that’s the story I’m excited to continue sharing with the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Despite my passion for photography, my journey wasn’t without challenges. When I first arrived at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), I faced significant language barriers. English wasn’t my first language, and communicating my ideas and understanding others in an artistic context felt overwhelming. On top of that, I was unfamiliar with the world of art and its nuances, which left me feeling lost and confused during my freshman year.

There were many moments when I questioned whether MICA was the right place for me. The creative environment felt foreign, and I wasn’t sure if I could truly find my voice in this new setting.

Eventually, I decided to take two gap years to step back and rediscover my passion. During that time, I reconnected with photography, learning not just the technical aspects but also the broader world of contemporary photography. I fell in love with it all over again, this time with a deeper understanding of the artistic landscape and a clearer sense of the kind of photographer I wanted to become. My curiosity for contemporary photography grew, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this evolving field.

This period of reflection and growth transformed my approach to photography, helping me return to MICA with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Photography is the medium I use to delve into the complex and evolving relationship we have with technology, particularly artificial intelligence and robotics. My work is driven by an interest in creating artwork that raises questions about the peculiar, sometimes unsettling, bond we share with these technologies.

Through my photography, I explore how machines interact with the world—how they perceive, transform, and interpret data. This exploration allows me to not only question our connections with technology but also to investigate the broader potential of data, technology, and art as interconnected forces shaping our future.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Growing up, basketball was always a part of my life, even though I didn’t get to watch many games live. But one trip to LA changed that in an unforgettable way. I’ll never forget the first time I saw Kobe Bryant play in person—his precision, his passion, his relentless drive to win. It was the perfect blend of athleticism and artistry, something I found deeply inspiring as a photographer.

That trip to LA wasn’t just about seeing a basketball game; it was about witnessing greatness firsthand. Watching Kobe on the court, I realized the level of dedication it takes to master a craft, whether it’s basketball or photography. That experience ignited something in me. It wasn’t just the game, it was seeing the energy, the intensity, and how one person could command a space and captivate an audience.

Leaving the Staples Center that night, I knew I wanted to bring that same level of focus and passion into my own work. In a way, Kobe’s performance became a metaphor for how I wanted to approach my art—relentless, with a clear vision, and a desire to push boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: farawayke