Faculty of Art

Photography

Boyu Jiang

Unity of the Universe

Editorial photography series that examines the historical and still existing issues in multiculturalism. The work also aims to promote a true multiculturalism society.

“In North American society, Asian and Black people can still be considered minority to some extent. This is due to the rooted white supremacy under the superficial diversity and multiculturalism in North America, which is caused by the history of the society being ruled by the white elite class. Though the issue is getting better, I would say as Asian and Black people, we still face higher chance of unfair treatment and discrimination. Back in the 90s, the fashion industry was dominated by white people and Vogue covers from the era were almost all with white female models. As an asian artist and fashion photographer, I would like to present the issue with fashion elements and contexts.Part 1: Intro to a Paradox (Photo 1&2)Black and Asian models, in white snow, wearing white clothing, even having white "masks" on their face. These resemble the efforts they make in order to fit into the white dominated society.Part 2: Secession and Succession (Photo 3&4)However, despite all the efforts, they are still not fully accepted into the society. Vogue covers from the 90s are used as symbolizers for the racial issue.Part 3: Unity of the Universe (Photo 5&6)This part has a different vibe to the previous two, as it presents an utopian society where people from different ethnicities no longer need a mask or any forms of assimilation. The red silk, which is used at traditional Chinese weddings, is used as a symbolizer of love and unity.This project is meant to address the still existing unfairness to Asian and Black people, and to promote a true multiculturalism society where every ethnicity is equal.Additional Credit:Stylist/Wardrobe Designer: Josie Eccleston.Hair/Makeup Artist: Amy Amitha.Models: Divine and Anna, Courtesy of WANT Management.”