Max Yang’s Rebellious Spirit
Self-portrait with the artist’s girlfriend by Max Yang (@yy_ou_0807). This image was selected for our Summer 2021 Gallery.
To celebrate Pride Month, Outreach Ambassador Amanda Villegas talked to classmate and photography student Max Yang about being gay in China and America, and the power of art to make change.
Max, your photos are so intimate, raw, and striking. Can you tell me more about this image (above) featured in our gallery?
I’m obsessed with documenting my life. I like to take pictures that have a strong connection with me, such as the intimate relationship with my girlfriend. I hope I can be an observer of life because that’s what makes good photographs.
That is beautiful and apparent in this series. What do you hope to show people with this body of work and how does it reflect your experience as a lesbian living in China?
From my perspective, the human body has always been the most intriguing subject. The body is magnificent, charming and graceful. I’m just being myself in these pictures; nothing is planned. I want to show work that is casual, immediate, and sincere. In my culture, homosexuality is not approved by the government, and I think most people do not have an open heart or positive attitude about it.
I’ve been in the US for five years and see that homosexuality is more common in American culture. You can see the symbol and presence of homosexuality everywhere, in television shows, films and magazines. It is actually still taboo in China.
Although I am not blaming my country, I want to make some changes in my culture even if it’s small. I want to show the rebellious spirit of my sexuality. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in nudity or homosexuality. Be brave and openhearted.
Wow. Your words and imagery are powerful and carry the ability to enact change. How is the LGBTQ+ community in China dealing with the repression of their sexuality? Are there any movements happening?
I think there are a lot of young people in China that are advocating and supporting the acceptance of homosexuality. Sadly, based on political decisions and traditional thoughts of the past generation, we still cannot mention the term “homo” in front of the public [or in media]. We can hold hands or kiss on the street, but some people will look at you like you’re from another planet. Being gay is not normal to them.
I have a friend who came out to his parents, both of whom are reputable professors in universities, and they think homosexuality is a mental disease. After coming out and facing discrimination from his parents, he thought about dying by suicide.
It may sound like we are doing useless work, but it’s not. Every step is a part of the revolution or movement. There are people, throughout the years, who have chosen to withstand harassment and hatred, and I think it requires a lot of courage to go against the power of culture and society. I want to express my stance against those powers through artwork and photographs.
You can see more of Max’s work on her website: max-yang.com