The Chinese artist Pixy Liao – recommended by Federica Chiocchetti – joins the ranks as the authentic discovery of the last fashion season; her artistic research intertwines perfectly with the other artists, both generationally and in a shared cultural climate. At Reggio Emilia, Pixy Liao presents for the first time in Italy her project Experimental Relationship (2007 to now), which explores her bond with Moro, a Japanese man five years her junior, through the performance of various situations in front of the camera. The photos explore the alternative possibilities of heterosexual relationships; a relationship in reverse where man and woman exchange roles in sex and power.

As a woman brought up in China, I used to think I could only love someone who is older and more mature than me, who can be my protector and mentor. Then I met my current boyfriend, Moro. Since he is 5 years younger than me, I felt that whole concept of relationships changed, all the way around. I became the person who has more authority & power. One of my male friends even questioned how I could choose a boyfriend the way a man would choose a girlfriend. And I thought, “Damn right. That’s exactly what I’m doing, & why not!”

She started to experiment with this relationship. She would set up all kinds of situations for Moro and herself to perform in front of the camera. Her photos explore the alternative possibilities of heterosexual relationships. They question what is the norm of heterosexual relationships. What will happen if man & woman exchange their roles of sex & power? Because her boyfriend is Japanese, and she is Chinese, this project also describes a love and hate relationship.

Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Pixy Liao is an artist currently resides in Brooklyn.
She is an NYFA Fellow in photography. She has done artist residencies at Pioneer Works, Light Work, Camera Club of New York, etc,. Liao’s photographs have been exhibited internationally, including He Xiangning Art Museum,  Museum of Sex, Asia Society, Leo Xu Projects, Metro Pictures and Flower Gallery, etc.