Meet Nina Liu | Photographer and Visual Artist

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

Hi Nina, how do you think about risk?
What I’ve realized is that all of my best work had been created by pushing myself to take risks. Fear has always been known to be a deadly obstacle for any creative; the fear of failing, fear of creating something that doesn’t satisfy someone who strives for “perfection”— these are all things I’ve struggled with in art making. One of my most recent pieces that I created for my BFA show in November 2021, was a big turning point for me as an artist. The piece is titled “Me, My Class & I”––it includes a series of 16 self portraits that are displayed in the layout of a yearbook page. Using makeup, wigs and clothing, I transform myself into 16 different characters that are influenced by common school stereotypes. I’ve had a love for acting and performing all my life; to me, there was nothing more exciting than incorporating various art forms that I love in one project. Before coming up with this piece, I had previously planned to play it safe, and to stick with a concept that was within my comfort zone. About two weeks before my show, I decided to completely ditch my initial idea, and came up with something I had never done before. Turns out, this project had changed my whole perspective on my practice; it gave me a new found purpose in making art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an interdisciplinary artist whose main practice lies in photography–which consists mostly of Fashion and Fine Art photography. What I love most about photography is how theatrical and performative it can be; it gives me the space and freedom to become a storyteller.

I’d say that my professional career has just begun, as I had just graduated from college less than a year ago. Graduating college has definitely made me reevaluate my purpose and what I truly want to do in life. One thing that I have promised myself is to constantly stay creative no matter what field I end up working in.

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 a friend is visiting me in Chicago, I would definitely take them to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Arts to enjoy some art. I’d also bring them to go vintage shopping at Wicker Park, and probably Chinatown or Argyle for food. At night, I would bring them to Boystown to drink and hang out. The morning after drinking, I would take them to one of my favorite brunch spots in the city, called “The Breakfast House.” On a more relaxing day, I’d go on a walk with them by the lake.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have been two of my biggest supporters for as long as I can remember; they made it possible for me to study abroad in the US, to go to college and to pursue my dream in the arts. I also want to thank my friends from all stages of my life who shaped me into who I am today–especially my few closest friends who are always there to cheer me on.

Website: https://ninalokyeeliu.com/

Instagram: ninaliuly

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ninaliuly