Meet Jiageng Lin | Photographer/Artist

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

Hi Jiageng, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.

I find fulfillment in establishing and working towards a goal. 

The act of setting a goal for myself helps me maintain discipline. I’m not the type of person who follows a regimented way of life. It is very easy for me to lose motivation if I  do not have a specific goal in front of me to work toward. The steps I take to achieve that goal might illuminate who I am as a person. I can always find a way to improve myself, regardless of whether I am successful or not.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am very honored that to be recognized as an artist and photographer with esteemed reputation. I take photographs, occasionally make zines, and create installations. My  work addresses the question of how we perceive the world and how photography shapes our minds and memories. I push the boundaries of photography by incorporating various mediums such as photo books, collages, and installations. I am most proud of the fact that I strive to keep my passion for photography pure. I frequently  reflect on what I was doing at the time. Am I pursuing my passions? Does what I’m doing truly matter to me? Am I being truthful with myself? I do not follow current art  trends or what is currently popular.  

Despite the fact that my works are not ‘mainstream’, I am fortunate and appreciative that some of my favorite institutions, galleries, and websites have nonetheless recognized them. My work has recently been shown at the George Eastman Museum and will be published in the newest photobook by Booooooom.com… These are some of the reasons why I continue to create new pieces. 

It is not simple nor easy to achieve what I have as an artist. I perceive this transition as  a process of maturing and becoming more disciplined. It is easy to get lost along this  path. Comparable to swimming in the ocean. I attempt to set goals and deadlines for 

myself in order to guide myself. Conversations with professionals, increased visits to  galleries and museums… I tried to engage in activities that would motivate me. It’s  important to push yourself when you’re exhausted, but it’s also acceptable to  occasionally feel down. Do not panic; instead, simply slow down and accept the  failure/disappointment. When one is “recovered,” they are stronger than they were before. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

This is such a huge question. Currently, I’m based in Rochester, NY, a beautiful city located upstate New York. Rochester used to be the center of photography technology.  Kodak is the company that changed photography used to/still based in Rochester, so the first place I’m going to recommend is the George Eastman Museum. George  Eastman was the founder of Kodak. The museum was basically renovated on his old mansion. George Eastman Museum is solely dedicated to photography and motion  pictures/movies. If you want to learn something about the history of photography or  films, I highly recommend this place. After you get out of the museum, you will find yourself at the center of the historic district of Rochester. Walking along the East ave  you will see a lot of beautiful historic architecture. Right next to East Ave is Park Ave where you will find a lot of fancy restaurants. For nature stuff, you could drive down to  the finger lake region where you can do some hiking. You could also drive up to the  Ontario lake to enjoy a cozy afternoon at the beach. The best season to visit Rochester is probably the early Summer. The weather is not too hot or too cold. Rochester’s winter  is brutal but if you want to see snow or do some skiing, Rochester’s winter is for you. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My girlfriend Suyu is my biggest supporter. She’s a renowned jewelry designer. We don’t talk much about work in our daily lives, but she can always provide me with  insightful ideas if I need suggestions or harsh criticism about my work. She consistently  tells me the truth. If she dislikes a piece of my work, she will simply let me know. When I  am feeling particularly blindsided by my own work, it is always helpful to get another  person’s point of view on the situation. I’m happy to have such a person to work and live with.

Website: https://www.jiagenglin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiageng.lin/

Other: Email: jiageng_lin@outlook.com