Meet Yufei Ma | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yufei Ma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yufei, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Zhengzhou, Henan , a city in central China, known primarily as a major railway hub where north-south and east-west lines intersect. Unlike historically rich cities in Henan, such as Luoyang and Kaifeng, which once served as ancient capitals, Zhengzhou’s identity is shaped more by its strategic location than by deep cultural roots.

Growing up in this city, I often felt a sense of transience—people came and went, using Zhengzhou as a brief stop on their way to somewhere else. Despite its rapid development and influx of resources due to its connectivity, I struggled with a feeling of cultural emptiness, finding the city suffocating at times. For a long time, I resented my hometown and came to New York in search of dreams.

However, as I grew older and moved away, my perspective shifted. Returning to Zhengzhou after time away, I began to see it differently. The contrast between its newness and its lack of historical weight, the way people constantly moved through but rarely stayed, all became part of my reflection on home and identity. In many ways, this complex relationship with my hometown—both a place of departure and return—has shaped who I am today, much like the experience of many young people leaving small towns for bigger cities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography is deeply rooted in memory, emotions, and reflections on past and present life experiences. What distinguishes my work from others is the perspective shaped by my upbringing. Coming from a culturally underrepresented region, I found myself drawn to exploring questions that many overlook. This background has given me a unique lens through which I view the world—one that comes with both challenges and a sense of responsibility in how I approach my work.

The journey hasn’t been easy. There were doubts, and many people didn’t fully understand what I was trying to express. People often say that young people are the hope of a city, but in my hometown, that sentiment never seemed to apply. Over the years, the city has remained largely unchanged, mirroring many northern Chinese cities—once vibrant but now struggling to maintain their energy. After experiencing the world beyond my hometown, returning has always been a complex experience, filled with both nostalgia and disillusionment.

At times, I feel like I stand at a crossroads, where the past, present, and future converge. Through my work—whether documentation, storytelling, or interviews—I hope to create something meaningful for the young generation in my city, offering them reflections on their future, their identity, and the possibilities ahead. This, I believe, is one of the core reasons why I pursue photography.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting New York, I would take them on an immersive journey through photography and art. Our first stop would be Dashwood Books, my favorite bookstore in the city. The owner is incredibly friendly, and their collection thoughtfully balances Western and Asian aesthetics, making it a paradise for photography lovers. Then, we’d visit MoMA to explore a rich selection of modern and contemporary art.

For dinner, I’d introduce them to Hamburger America, a spot run by a documentary filmmaker dedicated to capturing the essence of American burgers—because what’s more American than that? If we still had time after dinner, we’d catch a screening at Film Forum or Metrograph, where we could watch an independent film from Asia or Europe.

These places and experiences perfectly sum up what I’d want to share with a friend visiting me in New York—art, photography, great food, and inspiring cinema.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my late grandfather, who was one of my greatest supporters throughout my creative journey. He was a journalist in his youth, and when I told him I wanted to become a photographer, he handed me many of his unused cameras, which became my first introduction to photography.

In 2020, my grandmother’s passing made me realize that I needed to use my photography to create something meaningful. That led me to my first serious photography project, Old Ma, where I explored our intergenerational bond through imagery. Through this project, I learned how to express emotions in a way that felt true to me.

I truly believe that without his encouragement and support, I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today. Even after all these years, I remain deeply grateful for him and continue to miss him.

Website: https://yufeima.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genki026/

Image Credits
All Images Credits Reserved to Yufei Ma