Tales From China

Chinese artist Luo Yang and I were both born in the notable year of 1984. I don’t think much about politics, she tells me when I ask about life in her country. And I don’t think it has much influence on my work or my life. I prefer to focus on the people around me, though their lives are, of course, influenced by politics - a little bit. When I ask about the renowned Chinese artist and dissident Ai Weiwei, she responds thoughtfully: Ai Weiwei is a pioneer and an artist I respect deeply. But we come from two very different generations. His work is rooted more in society and politics, whereas I focus on the emotions of the people around me. His struggles don’t confront me directly.

I bring up Ren Hang, who passed away a couple of years ago. He was a good friend of mine, Luo says. I began photographing shortly before he did, and we met at one of my exhibitions while he was still exploring his style. His persistence allowed him to rise above the strict realities of Chinese society and gain recognition in the West. I ask whether Ren's bold, unconventional art will leave a lasting impact on China and the world. It’s hard to say if he’s changed China for the better, Luo reflects. But he’s inspired more artists and young people to have the courage to pursue their true selves. He also introduced the West to China’s younger generation. Ren was a very brave man.

When I mention Mian Mian, Luo responds with a smile. I know her books are well-known in the West, but I don’t know her personally. She’s one of the pioneers who write with their experiences and their bodies. We have a few mutual friends, and I’ve heard about her early, wild years. The girls I photograph share some similarities with her - they are brave, young, lost, and beautiful. What would Luo like to tell the West about China? I’ve witnessed big changes in the generations of the 1980s and 1990s. The younger generation seems more relaxed and true to themselves. China is constantly developing and changing. There will always be more and more young and interesting people.