Qiming Ruan

Photography

Artist Statement


The adult world is like entering a game. To enter this game, you must abide by the rules written in black and white. You are like a chess piece, in control and moving step by step. Gradually you hide the authentic version of yourself, living in this upside-down world. You envy youth. The colorful you. Some people will rebel in this game, but some people are just trivial characters. 

This series is a description of an inner world. A lot of inspiration comes from the feeling of being constrained by reality. I gradually stepped into society, where I was very confused, to slowly understand the hidden rules. After becoming familiar with all kinds of rules, I cannot be the most authentic self on the outside. I control the version of me that society has built, just like how you could use a remote to control a machine. The outside world is huge, but it always feels like I am constrained to escape. When we were young, we did not seem to care about rules and regulations and could go our own way. But when there are no conditions, there are too many factors we are unable to act as unbridled as before. 

Artist Bio

Qiming Ruan’s work focuses on self-identity and social phenomenon. She likes to use constructed imagery, lighting, and architecture to present a surreal world. She believes that constructed imagery gave her the freedom to express herself. 

阮绮明 Qiming Ruan was born in Jinhua, China in 2000. She moved to the South side of Chicago when she was twelve. She received her BFA at Northern Illinois University in 2022. Her work has been exhibited in Stay Coffee Gallery, Jack Olson Gallery and Other exhibitions hosted in university. 

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