Borderline Art Space in Iasi presents the photography exhibition signed by the artist Pixy Liao, with works from the latest iteration of the “experimental relationship” series, while the Pixy-Moro couple was traveling through their native countries, China and Japan, most of the photos were taken after 2018. The exhibition from Iași, curated by Claudia Retegan, includes a photo taken last year when the two visited Romania on the occasion of the exhibition at the 2/3 Gallery in Bucharest.
“The various juxtapositions and fragments of the imagery of the couple’s relationship include the tenderness of intimacy in the solitude of nature, the ingenuity of childhood games in which the two share the same coat simultaneously, or Pixy assuming the role of power while carrying Moro on her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. The artist presents us with a game between two lovers, exploiting the viewer’s voyeurism and curiosity through seemingly childish actions. The reversal of power roles and the direct way in which the artist confronts the viewer’s gaze leaves no doubt who is in control. The answer is simple: PIXY.
Pixy Liao explores a range of relational possibilities and proposes a reversal of the patriarchal scenario in which traditional couple roles become interchangeable. The 17-year ongoing project is a staging of her relationship with Moro, her boyfriend, in which Liao creates various intimate, playful and witty tableaus and video works that often place her in a position of power over Moro, in a subtle reversal of gender roles.
Many of Pixy Liao’s photographs are inspired by pop culture, others by classical painting. The gestures of the two are carefully staged, giving the impression of intimacy, though the viewer remains aware that the scenes photographed are not part of an everyday moment. Stereotypes can have different nuances in different places, and Pixy subtly reminds us, using disarming humour, how important it is to be aware of and even question the cultural and social norms.” (excerpt from the curatorial text)
Pixy Liao – born and raised in Shanghai, China, is an artist currently living in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a master’s degree in photography from the University of Memphis. Liao has participated in numerous international exhibitions, including Fotografiska, Rencontres d’Arles, Asia Society, National Gallery of Australia and is a recipient of NYFA Fellowship in Photography, Santo Foundation Individual Artist Awards, Madame Figaro Award for Women Photographers, En Foco’s New Works Fellowship, University of the Arts London, School of Visual Arts, Pioneer Works and Camera Club in New York. She has exhibited in the USA, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, China, Taiwan, Canada, Belgium, Norway, Spain, UK, Canada, Belgium, Norway, and the UK.
