Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne/Naarm

Curated by Sophia Cai and Catlin Langford

Pixy Liao is among the most exciting contemporary artists practicing photography today. Born in China, she now resides in New York. Her work is extensively exhibited internationally including recent exhibitions at Fotografiska. Her long-standing project ‘Experimental Relationship’ (2007-) explores gender, relationship and cultural dynamics through a series of staged photographs, often featuring herself and her Japanese partner Moro. The works range from tender and intimate moments to submissive and humorous arrangements.

As Liao explains:
‘As a woman brought up in China, I used to think I could only love someone who is older and more mature than me, who can be my protector and mentor. Then I met my current boyfriend, Moro. Since he is 5 years younger than me, I felt that the whole concept of relationships changed, all the way around. I became a person who has more authority and power. One of my male friends even questioned how I could choose a boyfriend the way a man would choose a girlfriend. And I thought, “Damn right. That’s exactly what I’m doing, & why not!”

I started to seriously think about the significance of this relationship, and start experiments with photographs. My photos explore the alternative possibilities of heterosexual relationships. Moro made me realize that heterosexual relationship doesn’t need to be standardized. Depending on the individuals, every two people will have a different type of relationship. Even if the relationship is not the type we are familiar with, it still exists and has its own benefits. The purpose of this experiment is to break the inherent relationship model and reach a new equilibrium. In the photos, I also express my frustration in a relationship, the feeling of being unable to find a soulmate, a sense of isolation and alienation.’

Install photography by Hannah Nikkelson. Event photography by Cody O’Brien.