Xiafei Li
Award-winning photographer based in central London.
I find joy in crafting images that opens up dialogues, in capturing moments through the lens of my camera. My images have graced the walls of galleries and exhibitions around the world, captivating viewers as I invite them to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery.
As I envision the future of my photography, there's a palpable excitement about exploring new themes and techniques that resonate with my evolving vision. A central focus in my recent and upcoming projects involves a deeper exploration of the interplay between nature and urban landscapes.
My exploration of colour and aesthetics is showcased in my recent work titled 'Purple.' By utilising shades of purple and pink, I seek to infuse my photographs with a sense of femininity, gentleness, and a soft perspective on the world. These colours, which are not abundantly present in nature, reflect my interpretation of the delicate balance between nature, humanity, and the layers of history and civilisation.
A key element of my work is the sense of solitude, conveyed through my distinct approach to capturing the human form. Often, my subjects are shown from behind or at a distance, their stories left untold, allowing the viewer to project their own emotions and narratives onto the scene. This subtle portrayal of isolation, along with my avoidance of the typical human perspective, invites a unique dialogue between the viewer and the environment.
I position myself not merely as a photographer but as an observer—a silent entity, akin to the wind, rain, or sea. Through this naturalistic viewpoint, I document fleeting moments of human presence in the vastness of nature. My role is not to dominate the scene but to act as an intermediary, witnessing and quietly recording the symbiotic connection between humans and the natural world.
One distinctive element that followers can anticipate is the continued use of unique colour palettes, specifically the infusion of pink and purple tones into recent compositions. These colours, less conventional in the natural world, serve as symbolic threads weaving through the narratives I aim to convey. Pink, with its associations of delicacy and femininity, and purple, with its sense of mystery and introspection, will play a key role in shaping the emotional resonance of my upcoming works.
My work ultimately strives to balance the intimacy of human experience with the grandeur of the natural world, inviting viewers into moments of reflection and solitary contemplation within a shared landscape.
| Areas of Expertise |
Nearly a decade’s experience in professional fine arts photography
Skilled in digital photo shooting, editing and colouring
Proficient in other areas such as fashion photography, filmmaking and production
| Education |
2023 MONOCHROME AWARDS
International Black and White Photography Contest
2023 “MEET” H.C.ANDERSEN ART AWARDS
Organised by the Denmark H.C. Andersen Culture & Art Committee and the Denmark H.C. Andersen Society (Copenhagen).
Gold Award Winner in the Youth Photography Category
Silver Award Winner in the Youth Photography Category
Gold Award Winner in the Youth Painting Category
Silver Award Winner in the Youth Painting Category
Master of Arts in Television
College of Communication, University of the Arts London, UK
| Exhibitions |
2022
Sumer Erek: Embodied Moments, Gallery Marquess, London, United Kingdom
2023
London Design Festival - On Purple: The Purpose of Hue, Mayfair Design District, London, United Kingdom
Milano 18th Photofestivel - Focus, My Society and Me, MA-EC Gallery, Milan, Italy
The Contemporary Art Fair - Art Shopping, Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France
Un Instant Figé Dans Le Temps, Galerie Francis Barlier, Paris, France
Organised by the Associations Sino-française d'échange d'art (A.S.F.E.A.),
2024
Art Capital 2024, Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris, France
2025 upcoming
Inspiring Moments Exhibition: The Unconscious Eyes, Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, Beijing and Xiamen, China
Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) Double Olympic Seat Art Exhibition, National Stadium, Beijing, China
| Award |