The exhibition Between Your Eyes and Mine showcases the work of photographer Kaishui Yikai LIU, capturing the lived experiences of Chinese students navigating the complexities of life in the UK. Through these images, viewers are offered a glimpse into the emotional landscape of young individuals far from home, as they oscillate between disorientation and determination in their quest for self-discovery in an unfamiliar environment.
The photographer adopts an intimate and gentle perspective, skillfully capturing both the vulnerability and strength of the participants. Each photograph exudes a profound tenderness, which subtly unfolds an exploration of intimate relationships. These relationships are not limited to connections between people but also encompass the dialogue between the self and the environment, as well as between the self and inner emotions.
The exhibition follows the gaze of the participants, inviting viewers to step into their lives and perceive their worlds. By looking directly into the camera, the participants seem to be extending an invitation to the audience to explore self-identity from the perspective of others. The environments depicted in the photographs are not merely backgrounds but integral parts of the portraits, narrating the character and inner world of the participants. The windows, serving as a crucial element, symbolize the extension from personal spaces outward, opening up new possibilities and embodying the ongoing process of exploration.
Within the gallery space, the captured still moments evoke a pause for reflection. This space, between your eyes and mine, is a realm where emotions and thoughts converge, creating a powerful intersection of human connection.
Text/Cristiano Mantovani