Artist Profile Luying Dong

Artist Statement

This project captures my journey back to a small village in China, where my grandparents lived and my mother grew up. I returned this year, driven by a need to document this place before it is changed forever by the government.

Walking through the village with my aunt, I felt a strong wave of emotions as we reminisced about my childhood visits. This village is filled with magic and peace, but I also sense its fragility—it feels like it’s on borrowed time.

Through my photography, I wanted to capture not just the sights, but also the feelings tied to this special place. Each photo holds memories and emotions, a way for me to lock in the spirit of a village that has shaped my family’s history.

In this project, I aim to honor the memory of a place that feels both sacred and fleeting. My work serves as a tribute to the life it once held and a reminder of the beauty that exists in moments we often take for granted. As the village faces an uncertain fate, I hope these images will resonate with others, evoking a sense of connection to their own roots and the ephemeral nature of home.

Artist Biography

As a Singaporean Chinese artist, Lu’s cultural heritage deeply influences her work, serving as a bridge between the East and the West. She strives to connect diverse perspectives and traditions through her art, creating a dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries and fosters mutual understanding. This fusion of influences enriches my artistic expression, infusing it with layers of meaning and complexity.

In her artistic practice, Lu seamlessly merges photography and video art, infusing her creations with sentiments she wishes to convery. Each piece is a dynamic exploration of action and movement, capturing moments in vivid detail and conveying a sense of immediacy. Through careful composition and narrative-driven storytelling, she immerses viewers in a world where people are at the forefront, their emotions and interactions intricately woven into the fabric of each image.

The vibrant art scene in the UK has played a pivotal role in nurturing her creative spirit and allowing her artistic flair to blossom. Surrounded by diverse cultures and perspectives, she has been inspired to push the boundaries of her practice, embracing experimentation and innovation. The dynamic energy of the UK art scene fuels her passion and drives her to continually evolve as an artist, exploring new techniques and ideas while staying true to her unique vision.