Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaishui Liu
Kaishui, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Yikai Liu (Kaishui) (b. 1996, Zhejiang, China) holds a BA in Digital Media Art from the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts (2018) and an MA in Fashion Photography from the London College of Fashion (2022). Notable accolades include being shortlisted for the TAYLOR WESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE (2022), The Three Shadow Young Artists Program(2022), and a finalist for PHOTOLUCIDA CRITICAL MASS (2022). He received an honorable mention from #CREATECOP27 (2022) and won the open submission Photo-Book category at BELFAST PHOTO FESTIVAL (2023). Kaishui’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues like the National Portrait Gallery (2022) and National Galleries Scotland (2023). His editorial contributions can be found in online publications such as F*ck*ng Young, Sicky Mag, WRPD, and Rain Magazine. Currently lives and works in London, UK
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggle is inevitable but I recognize that it is part of the lesson I need to learn. First of all, the language barrier has always undermined my confidence, but perhaps it is also the reason why I fell into visual arts. I also struggle with finding and keeping a balance between making a living in the city and dedicating myself to art, fully.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work focuses now on Portrait Photography, which allows me to discover the identity and intimacy of my subjects. My roots rely on a sense of community, which not only keeps me attached to my past and my personal character but also keeps me curious and helps me use photography as a method to discover.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Crisis is very painful and I have learned that sometimes reality cannot be avoided. This recent crisis taught me about patience and gave me time to connect with myself and most importantly with my family. Looking back, in a long moment of pain, I was able to rest and reflect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaishuiphoto.com
Image Credits
1.Guilin by kaishui
2.Lina by kaishui
3.Donyin by kaishui
4.Didi by kaishui
5.Qihua by kaishui
6.the sheep by kaishui
