Pixy Liao: Between Us

Photographer Pixy Liao (Shanghai, 1979) uses an abundance of humour, intimacy, and playfulness as she captures her relationship in photographs. To Pixy and her partner Takahiro Morooka (Moro), the world is a theatre set: she uninhibitedly chronicles their romance in portraits, both at home and (far) away. Liao's work contributes to the conversation surrounding gender and relationships because it challenges traditional notions of power and gender roles. Liao is originally from China and met her partner Moro, during their studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. In Chinese tradition, it is normal for the man to choose his wife — Pixy did it the other way around. Their relationship plays a central role in her art project Experimental Relationship, where she explores the dynamics of their romantic and artistic interactions. She uses her work to explore and question existing gender roles, relationship dynamics, cultural traditions and expectations. In everything she makes, she is the boss. Whether dressed opposite her nude partner, standing while he lies, or conspicuously operating the camera self-timer – Pixy is in control. Liao's work invites the audience to reflect on how gender and power function in their own relationship and how these norms can be reconsidered and reinterpreted. By showing that things can be different, you give people possibilities. For the exhibition Dana Dijkgraaf created the graphic and spatial design with curator Sito Rozema, starting with a optimistic and happy starting point. The exhibition has evolved into a authentic fusion where the colors and custom designed wallpapers really enhance the displayed works. The spatial design, with its graphic layers, creates a complete visual experience and brings the artist’s artworks and their appearance even more to live. The prints and the colors are inspired by the displayed works. The space has become a world of itself in which you can wonder and be mezmarised by the images of Pixy and her partner Moro. Welcome to the warm and happy world of Pixy Liao. A hopeful exhibition that gives a fresh perspective on gender roles, relationships and playful interactions. The exhibition starts with a colorfull title, set with a readable yet playful typography and ends with two red seats, where you can watch a music video that Moro and Pixy created together. Nice fact - Moro (musician) and Pixy make music together under the name Pimo. This music is also played in the video of the exhibition.