Elegy Of The Mountains, Rachel Wang
Originally from Beijing, China, Yiran (Rachel) Wang is a fashion and documentary photographer based in New York. A recent graduate of Parson’s, Rachel has shot editorials with Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Italia, and had recent work exhibited at Aperture Galley in New York. As evidenced here, Rachel’s displays a graceful touch and natural eye for her craft.
In this series, titled Elegy Of The Mountains, Yiran/Rachel presents an ongoing documentation of her hometown in China, depicting the interconnected and clashing relationship between nature and industry by deploying a photographic process that Rachel refers to as “reconstructing memories and memorializing objects.” In part of a personal statement accompanying this work, Rachel writes:
“Factories rise, become obsolete, fall, and are replaced by new ones. We often minimize and disregard this process as normal, as our society has been in this cycle for centuries. But what impact has this process had on Earth? The intention of this project is neither to condemn nor to blame the governments for their lack of action in the past. Rather, I see this project as a lamentation dedicated to nature and the lives lost due to excessive industrialization and greenhouse gas emissions. Most importantly, as a young artist directly affected by these industrial practices, I want to use my imagery to make an impact on younger generations.”
Below is a short interview with Rachel about her life and recent work, lightly edited for length and clarity.
What are you working on lately?
Currently I am working on a two-year personal photo-book project. I have been working on some sequencing and doing some researches. I was very anxious during the first few week of the lockdown because I felt like I was trapped in my room and nothing could be done. But slowly I realized that as a photographer, there are many things I could do other than taking photos. I have been spending lots of time reading and researching. I think this was something that I didn’t pay as much attention to in the past.
From where or what do you draw some of your aesthetic influences or ideas?
I am very inspired by ancient Chinese mythology and philosophy. As an image maker, my interest lies in exploring the complicated relationship between humanity and nature in the context of cultural histories.
As a photographer whose approach moves fluidly between documentary and fashion, my work often deals with reconstructing memories and memorializing objects. Exploring the nuanced relationship between people and their environment, my photographs encourage others to confront present social concerns, to help narrate a poetic version of the subject.
Have you been trying anything new in your work?
Lately I have been learning some 4D rendering techniques at home. It’s very challenging and definitely very different from the way I used to create imageries. In a way I think this year has pushed me to rethink and reinvent the way I approach image-making and storytelling. I usually use film cameras and new technology was never really my thing. I really wish I could combine computer rendering with analog photography, but I still have a long way to go.
Who else's work might you want to see featured on TSUKI?
Fumi Nagasaka. I just received her photobook Untitled Youth from a friend. Such a good book! I think she is a very talented portrait photographer.
How are you staying inspired and motivated?
Paintings are something that I always enjoyed and taken reference from. This year, the British Museum and Smithsonian Institution launched the open access platform online which made it very easy to have access to paintings that I have not yet been able to see in person.
Also I think it is important to always keep learning new things. I get motivated by staying curious because I think there are just so many things I still don’t know. Also, the lockdown also give me more time to revisit my favorite movies and books, which always inspired me.
I have been trying stay off of social media as much as I could because I think recently there have been a lot of negative posts and comments online and its just too much for me to process.
What have you been watching or listening to?
I recently rewatched Orlando directed by Sally Potter for the third time and it still mesmerizes me. There are so many details in the setting, the costume designs, and in the actors’ eyes. I am currently watching the Netflix series Dark directed by Baran bo Odar.
There’s a long list for the songs I listen to lately. In general I like songs that evoke certain imagery in my head. My two favorite musicians are Ólafur Arnalds and Julien Marchal. I am also a big fan of HYUKOH, which is a South Korean band.
RELATED: Go here to view Sam Nixon’s Gallery Oh for documentary portraits of Oh Hyuk, singer and guitarist of HYUKOH.