In and Out of the Mist: Borderland Investigation

The main concerns of this photography research is to undertake a new artistic approach, with photography as a medium and an artistic form of investigation into the borderland and community that resides from Western China To The Himalayan Region, in order to improve and distinguish from traditional documentary photography. The borderland exists as an ambiguous territory between governance structures and the movements of the borderland community often seek to surpass the command of the states. The ideas of inclusion and exclusion, identity within one's community and the relationship at the borderlands are hard to be clearly defined. This research develops the hypothesis that borderless borderland is possible with the intervention of fog and mist. This photographic series suggest creative ways to photograph borderlands under fog and mist condition, creating a surrealistic, magical and meaningful representation at borderlands.

My aim is to create a series of practical photographic works at the continuously disputed territories, so as to acknowledge the beauty of the borderlands and its peoples’ peaceful way of life. The intended artistic study and the findings are to achieve a hybrid photography style between traditional documentary and contemporary conceptual photography. These works have an underlying significance, reflecting an understanding of the importance of co-existence in borderland communities, and respectfully promoting peace rather than drawing a clear line of conflict and separation.

Besides that, "In and Out of the Mist" series urges us to photograph in the unknown, to relook at iconic subjects and content with fresh thoughts. It also challenges us to try to understand, and to feel within us a reaction and the consequence of it when we grasp its the significance and impact. Oblivion is a state of blindness and often we enter into this state with our eyes wide open. Some of the scene may seems to be apocalyptic. I strive to show the ordinary and unfamiliar into the most compelling dimension of surrealism. Of course the most significant would be the reflection of humankind's influence on the landscape, and the drama that unfolds when fog and mist invade the environment. These unfinished narratives and the ambiguity of the photographic subject create a puzzle that stretches between the emotional state and physical territories in various living habitat.