One of the standout finalist in the annual ITS#TEN awards was Chinese photographer Yijun Liao, whose series Experimental Relationship captured her relationship with her boyfriend Moro who is five years her junior. The works are provocative, humorous
For most of the most of the year, Trieste is a quiet and charming seaport on the northeastern coast of Italy. Unlike Milan it remains untouched by the fashion circuit, until July when, for a few days, it becomes home to International Talent Support (ITS) a multi-disciplinary platform for young creatives. Now in its tenth year, past finalists have included designers Peter Pilotto, Mark Fast and Heikki Salonen. One of its most prestigious awards is given by Renzo Rosso, founder and owner of Diesel, who has supported the organisation from the beginning by offering one finalist €25,000 and a internship at the Diesel HQ in Italy. He told AnOther, "I was very happy when I saw the pictures of all of the finalists from the last ten years. Now all of them work in the most important style offices, for the most important brands and six of them work for my company". Over the years the initiative has also grown to recognise talented photographers, accessory designers and jewellers alongside its fashion contestants.
One of this year's standout finalists was Chinese photographer Yijun Liao, whose striking series Experimental Relationship captures her relationship with her boyfriend Moro who is five years her junior. The works are provocative, humorous and undeniably powerful and sees Liao defy traditional Chinese expectations by dating a younger Japanese man. AnOther spoke to the artist about her work.
How does it feel to be a finalist?
I was overwhelmed – I didn't expect it at all. I got the good news right before I got on a flight and then I discovered I had been selected for the Magenta: Flash Forward. I should take a flight more often.
The work is about your relationship with a younger man who doesn't fit the traditional role of a protector. Can you talk about why you decided to explore these elements of male and female relationships?
The concept came from a conversation I had with a male friend. I had just starting dating my boyfriend Moro who was five years my junior and I was telling my best friend in China. His response was "How could you choose a boyfriend the way we choose a girlfriend?" In his mind, Moro's merits were exactly the same as his requirements for a girlfriend. I thought, “That’s damn right, why not?” so I thought I could produce something that would say no to these traditional stereotypes. I looked back at my previous failed relationships and what I was told to believe all the time, and decided to do something different.
A lot of your work is autobiographical, why did you decide to work in this way?
I think we should live life as art. It will be more truthful if my work and life is closely related. Besides, this is more accessible for me to produce work.
Has your upbringing in China influenced your work in any way?
Definitely. A lot of my work is centered around the things I was expected and told to do in China, but I never believed in. It is almost a rebellion against traditional Chinese social values.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I'm in a band with Moro, called PIMO (Pixy & Moro). The idea is based on the Experimental Relationship but the music is not just from my point of view. I would say half of the songs are from Moro's point of view. We made songs and some really stupid music videos together. We are in the process of making our first album. It's been fun.
Special thanks to Diesel
AnOther caught up with panellists Viktor & Rolf. Read their thoughts on future fashion talent here.
Text by Isabella Burley
