Kiki Xue

Kiki Xue – a Chinese, young photographer who’s taking the fashion scene by storm – revealed himself to TheCornerZine.

‘For me, Paris is best city to live: the art, the parks and so on. You can have a coffee, while looking at different people pass by, and just get lots of inspiration’. That’s what Kiki Xue – a Chinese, young photographer who’s taking the fashion scene by storm – told TheCornerZine about the City of Light, where he now makes his magic happen!

First things first, how did you get into art-making?

I’ve been interested in art since college, even though I majored in mathematics. Then, I started reading a lot of photography books. One day, I said to myself: ‘why not give it a try?’. So, I started practicing daily taking photographs. That’s how I embarked on the photography journey. In 2014, I came to Paris and I started working with a great team. As my photography is always about emotions, I want to get the clothes close to my ideas and feelings. So clothes become some kind of a catalyst to make my work more complex and expressive.

As my photography is always about emotions, I want to get the clothes close to my ideas and feelings. So clothes become some kind of a catalyst to make my work more complex and expressive.

Kiki, what’s your fascination with photography about?

Through photography, I can express my ideas and watch different people stand in front of me. They’re like actors, I have ideas for them and I just capture the moment. It’s so interesting.

That being said, how did you develop your creative thinking?

Most of my inspiration comes from paintings. So painting is one of the most important elements in my practice: when I want to take photographs, I extract interesting and meaningful things from a bunch of paintings to develop my own works.

How would you describe your own style?

My photographic work aims at expressing myself. I’m a quiet person and I appreciate beautiful things with some flaws, even some destructed details. What I try to do is combine all of my feelings into my works, without thinking too much. To me, photography is a tool to reveal myself.

Do you have a muse?

No, I don’t have a muse. I just love special faces with deep eyes and, maybe, freckles.

Let’s focus on your aesthetic. What does ‘Beauty’ stand for?

Beauty can make people stop and think. It’s beyond times. Beauty is art, it’s about creation.

You live in Paris, but you were born and grew up in China. What do you miss the most about your homeland?

The food!

What about Paris? Can you describe its fashion scene?

For me, Paris is the best city to live: the art, the parks and so on. You can have a coffee, while looking at different people pass by, and just get lots of inspiration. I think elegance is key in Paris.

And how do you chill out in such an overwhelming environment?

The best way is by walking in the gardens. The trees, the flowers; they seem to communicate with me: they’re so fresh.

Where do you go shopping for clothes in Paris?

Printemps!

If you had to choose a brand to collaborate with, which one would you choose?

Hands down, Comme des Garçons.

What do you like to wear on set?

Easy and comfortable pieces, and total black!

Any tips on how to get your own work recognized?

Photography is my passion. I never treat it as a ‘job’. I put myself into photography because of love. That’s what gives me the courage to express my emotions and sensations.

Make a wish!

I just wish to be myself, true and simple.