Liang Xiu: Confronting the Edges of Chinese Society Through Self-Portraiture

Liang Xiu is a bold and emerging voice in contemporary Chinese photography, known for her unflinching self-portraits that are both disturbing and surreal. Her work offers a raw, intimate look at life on the margins of Chinese society, often addressing female identity, sexual orientation, and the role of women in modern China.

Working from a remote village far from China’s urban centers, Liang turns the lens on herself—fearlessly and without shame—to create images that confront societal taboos and challenge traditional norms. Her photography blurs the line between performance and documentation, offering a powerful commentary on gender, vulnerability, and alienation in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

In 2017, Liang Xiu was awarded the Three Shadows Photography Award, one of China’s most prestigious honors for emerging photographic talent. Her work has since been featured in multiple group exhibitions at Stieglitz19, including the Chinese Spring Part 4 exhibition.

Liang is currently developing a new photographic series, which will be presented at Stieglitz19 in 2022, continuing her exploration of identity, resistance, and the unseen realities of rural life in contemporary China.

 

 

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liang xiu list of works