Today we’d like to introduce you to Jinjin Li
Hi Jinjin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in photography began as a serendipitous discovery. When I own my first camera, I quickly fell in love with the medium’s ability to capture emotion and freeze fleeting moments in time. The camera became my tool for self-expression and a way to make sense of my new environment, which felt both exciting and overwhelming.
Over time, photography evolved from a personal passion into a professional pursuit. My first major project, In Her Company, documented the lives of a group of Chinese women I met while studying abroad. This project was not only my first solo exhibition but also a deeply personal exploration of friendship and identity. It set the stage for my current work, Before You Leave, After You Go, which delves into themes of transience, belonging, and the emotional weight of goodbyes. I have always been interested in exploring the subtle, often unnoticed dynamics of human relationships, especially in transitional periods.
Now, having completed my MFA and exhibited work internationally, I continue to develop projects that allow me to explore different facets of human connection. My photography is rooted in authenticity and driven by a desire to document emotional truth—whether it’s the bittersweet feelings of leaving a place you once called home or the beauty in fleeting friendships. Today, I balance my work between personal projects and professional opportunities, with the goal of pushing the boundaries of how we visually understand relationships and belonging.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but the challenges have been essential to my growth. One of the biggest struggles was navigating my identity as both a photographer and an international student. Moving to the U.S. to pursue photography came with its own set of difficulties, from cultural adjustment to the uncertainties of belonging in a foreign country. I often found myself in a place of in-between, not fully integrated into my new environment but no longer feeling completely connected to my roots back home.
Another challenge was the decision of whether to return to China after graduation or pursue a career in the U.S., which came with visa struggles and financial uncertainties. This made it difficult to plan long-term projects or even feel secure in my career path.
There were also personal challenges in developing a distinct voice in photography, especially when starting out. It took time for me to trust my instincts and embrace my own style, rather than trying to meet external expectations. But these struggles have shaped me into the photographer I am today, pushing me to explore themes of transition, belonging, and relationships that resonate deeply with my personal experiences.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in fine art and documentary photography, focusing on themes of identity, belonging, and human connection. My work often explores the experiences of being a temporary resident in a foreign country, especially from the perspective of international students, a theme rooted in my personal experiences. One of my most recognized projects, Before You Leave, After You Go, captures the emotional landscapes of friendships and transitions as my friends and I navigate life in the U.S. as Chinese international students.
What sets me apart is my ability to translate these personal and collective experiences into visuals that speak to the universal emotions of farewells and transient relationships. My style often blends softness and sincerity, emphasizing the enduring strength found in intimate moments, which has resonated with both viewers and critics alike.
I am most proud of my solo exhibition, In Her Company, which was my first large-scale presentation of work that documented the lives of Chinese female friends in a foreign city. It allowed me to show a vulnerable side of our shared journey, both the joy and complexity of being in-between cultures. This work has helped me find my unique voice as an artist, one that is personal yet universally relatable. My commitment to sincerity, bravery, and joy in my work sets me apart, offering a perspective that is both tender and bold.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always open to working with other photographers, artists, and creatives, whether it’s for exhibitions, joint projects, or artist residencies. I also welcome curators, galleries, and institutions interested in showcasing my work or engaging in dialogue around the themes I explore.
People can reach out through my personal website or social media for collaborations or inquiries, and I always look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jinjinlla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auskcye/
Image Credits
Jinjin Li
