Xiangyu Dong
In a Mood for Love
25 March - 31 March 2023
In a Mood for Love
25 March - 31 March 2023
In a Mood for Love is an in-depth research project of a romantic relationship. Xiangyu's first intimate relationship provokes the artist to explore and contemplate intimacy.
The artist presents a romantic and life-like narrative through the ritualistic construction of figurative portrait and still lifes. Romance, fidelity and companionship, the three elements of a relationship, are dissolved in a poetic form in the details of a life made up of environment, objects and people.
Through this series of photographs, by putting himself in the place of re-experiencing and re-enacting the mood swings and behavioural patterns in this relationship, Xiangyu moves to a stage of self-healing and release.
Xiangyu Dong (b. Anhui, China) is an artist and photographer who grew up in a traditional Chinese family.
He went to the U.S. in 2017 and got his bachelor’s degree of Visual Arts (media) from the University of California, San Diego. His photography practice started from then. He is currently based in London and studying at Royal College of Art.
Xiangyu's practice is primarily based on photography. His research interests include psychoanalysis, intimacy, queer theory, and the use of photography in art therapy. His works have been exhibited at Adam D. Kamil Gallery, San Diego in 2020, Hefei Contemporary Art Museum in 2021. In the same year, he also attended the 100 Impressions Group Exhibition in China and Every Where You Go Group Exhibition in London. In 2022, he presented his latest work In a Mood for Love at Gallery 46, White Chapel, London. In 2023, he was selected to present his work in the publication 99 Future Blue Chip Artists. He got honourable mention in 2020's International Photography Award.