MA Fashion Photography student Yining Jin has curated a photography exhibition for The Art Pavilion in East London, his work will be on display from 29 November until 2 December 2015. The ‘Lake Surface of Shadow’ exhibition marks Yining’s first solo exhibition, he explores the relationship between public and personal spaces, and how visuals and presence can provoke human characteristics.
What did you study before your postgraduate, and why did you choose LCF?
I worked as a graphic designer in Beijing for one year. I always felt distant from it though, instead a little more passionate about photography, so I decided to self-teach photography. I wanted to study at LCF because of it’s world famous fashion heritage, and the students that have become professionals in their industry. I wanted to work and learn from other talented people and knew about the reputation of the course so it felt like the right decision for me.
What made you want to study MA Fashion Photography?
I chose MA Fashion Photography because I think that fashion photography is more creative and artistic than other types of photography. This is exactly what I wanted to study. Before I applied for the MA course, I worked as a part-time photographer in Beijing, so I wanted to study and develop my creative photography skills. I felt like London College of Fashion was the best place to enhance my creative thinking.
Can you tell us a little bit about Lake Surface of Shadow exhibition at the Art Pavilion, where did the idea come from?
The exhibition idea began about three months ago – one of my friends studied curating asked me if I was interested in doing an exhibition in London. The original idea was to collaborate with a number of artists on the exhibition, but we decided a solo interpretation might be better for the concept. The theme was ‘shadow’ because we felt it was a starting point to discuss public and personal space. After this exhibition I hope to develop the concept further, and also explore another topic in the future. Either way, I’m very excited for the future!
How would you describe your style, and what inspires you?
I think there’s two characteristics in my photography, one is storytelling, and the other one is the language of graphic design. I said storytelling because my parents were both ballet dancers, I have seen many ballet performance and dramas growing up, I believe this gave me the artistic narrative to be dramatic. I think graphic design has inspired my style too, I spent four years of college studying it before interning. So when I think about photography and concepts, I always consider post-production, I tend to make my works more graphic and more poster friendly. I’m currently inspired by the concept of shadow, it’s a good medium to approach storytelling and dramatic ideas and visions. In some ways it’s an extension of my personality, and how I like to hide from others. I like the idea of putting on a hidden personality when I’m photographing, pretending to be someone or something else helps my vision.
Have you thought about curating another exhibition yet, what would you want to photograph next?
Absolutely! I’m planning another solo exhibition, but I couldn’t tell you an accurate time for it to be finished. I might focus on my new inspiration and works first, but after that I will think about doing another exhibition with installations.
How did MA Fashion Photography prepare you for the industry?
I am very grateful for my time in London as an LCF student, and for my teacher Paul Bevan and my classmates who gave me a lot of help. MA Fashion Photography is exactly what I wanted to be studying and the course has helped me develop my conceptual vision and originality. We weren’t just learning fashion related studies, the course also involves a lot of research and visual arts, which helped my personal style. Paul gave us all enough space and time to create at our own disposal, and fully prepare your own projects. This opportunity was a good foundation for my future career.
- Find out more about MA Fashion Photography
- Find out more about other courses available at LCF
- Yining Jin’s work
- Find out more about The Art Pavilion and the exhibition
Alumni can connect with LCF in the following ways:
- Stay in touch
- Access LCF graduate talent
- LCF alumni privileges
- Library access
- Professional development
- Enterprise support
- UAL groups
- LCF Fashion Network
- Contact LCF directly at alumni@fashion.arts.ac.uk
- UAL wide events
- LCF Events