Kanak Guo: Strange Him

Sep 12 – Dec 29, 2019

Space240, New York, NY

Curator: Lingfei Ren

 

Kanak Guo explores men with characteristics that are indicative of substantial stories, and photographs them. These photos showcase men’s various features that are not masculine in the traditional sense. Guo expresses his queer identity and actualizes his dreams through fashion photography. The set and costumes enable him to externalize his fantasies and desires, and the models embody the identity of Guo himself that others may find strange.

 

Since high school, Guo has devoted into photography and found it the best medium to express himself. While in college, his personal work Smog was awarded the Silver Award by the China Photographic Association. In late-2015, he started working for Madame Figaro China and So Figaro China as a fashion stylist and photographer. His works were published in many fashion magazines including T Magazine China. He photographed Jessie Li, the Best Actress of the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards for Port of Call; Liu Wen, a Chinese supermodel; and Fan Bingbing, a renowned Chinese actress, for luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.

 

In 2017, he co-published his personal photography book Journey of Youth, and was shortlisted for the Three Shadows Photography Awards. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in 2019, his journey continues.