New York, NY – Yizhen Zhang, a rising photographer and filmmaker currently working in New York City, possesses an aptitude for revealing the unusual in mundane life. Zhang’s work creates evocative narratives that bridge art and humanity, employing a profound sense of empathy and a sharp perspective on storytelling. Zhang is renowned for his expertise in utilizing natural light and describing surrounding environments to establish his photographic narratives. His personal visual style demonstrates his dedication to capturing authenticity and straightforward narrative. In the process, he is deeply committed to documentary photography, focusing on depicting authenticity and narratives that resonate personally with people while also helping elevate the voices of marginalized communities.
Portrait of Yizhen (Aaron) Zhang.
His latest project, Win or Lose, is also known as a breakthrough in his capacity to combine visual artistry with profound social insight, which meanwhile enables him to obtain recognition on some of the most prestigious platforms worldwide. In the past year, Win or Lose has received numerous global recognitions, including Honorable Mentions in the 2024 International Photography Awards, a Silver Winner distinction at the Global Photography Awards, and recognition as a semi-finalist in the Urban Photo Awards. These achievements highlight his expertise in documentary production, which has been highly regarded by juries and audiences.
Photography of New York City. Image Courtesy of Yizhen (Aaron) Zhang.
“Win or Lose” is a biographical multimedia project primarily composed of still photographs, supplemented with text, video interviews, and a photo book. This project centers on Win Tang, a 25-year-old Chinese barber who has lived in the U.S. for over 10 years. Despite his youth, he possesses hidden experiences that far surpass his chronological age. At the age of 13, Win embarked on a life-altering journey from Guangdong, China, to the United States, as his family sold their home to fund their American Dream. During that period, many Chinese believed that immigration to the United States could lead to substantial income, allowing them to overcome social barriers and attain economic independence. He has borne his family’s sacrifice for the decade since his arrival, navigating both opportunities and challenges. However, Win harbors a secret known only to a select few close friends: he is currently under electronic incarceration, an arrangement established by authorities to monitor his movements due to his involvement in an internet fraud case a year ago. It’s a complex situation where, despite being a victim himself, he unwittingly became involved in laundering funds, entrapped by an old friend who used his bank account under the pretext of a currency exchange scheme. The final judgment from the court is anticipated at the end of 2024, but for now, he remains free from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Win or Lose. Image Courtesy of Yizhen (Aaron) Zhang.
Despite the minimal legal support from his public defender, who mostly completed basic paperwork and, perhaps against his best interests, encouraged him to plead guilty for a swift resolution, Win persevered in his efforts to survive independently. As of today, Win’s parents remain uninformed of his condition, and he has no desire to distress them by revealing it.
His life story encapsulates a variation of the quintessential first-generation immigrant experience for many families, a journey that spans from China to the United States, mirroring the path of many new arrivals who settle in Flushing. Alongside this, he has also endured personal challenges that have shaped him. While his life brims with compelling stories and sacrifices, Zhang was prompted to ponder whether Win’s ordeal was worth acquiring a U.S. identity, symbolized by a plastic green card. His life oscillates between poker games at home and the razor at the barbershop, seemingly devoid of hope, and without a visible trace of disappointment—perhaps because he has nothing more to lose. Yet, in his decade-long ordeal, he has both gained and lost. So, ultimately, is it a win or a loss?
Win or Lose. Image Courtesy of Yizhen (Aaron) Zhang.
As Zhang mentions in his book, “I genuinely sympathize with someone like him who has encountered such significant adversities. Consequently, I resolved to chronicle his life through my writing and photography. I am not attempting to critique American culture for its discriminatory and unjust treatment of Asians, nor the negligence and injustice exhibited by the American legal system against Asians. I aim to create an impartial yet empathetic documentary of Win’s trials and tribulations in the United States.”
But in the end, does winning or losing hold any significance? Every second of our lives, regardless of its nature, constitutes an integral component of life’s exquisite panorama. As the pursuit of authenticity becomes a driving force, this philosophy is evident in Zhang’s photographic work and his thoughtful approach to redefining the boundaries of storytelling through the lens.
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Website: https://www.yizhenzhang.art/