London, United Kingdom
Michelle Qian Li is a London-based still life photographer whose work explores the interplay between the familiar and the uncanny. Drawing on a background in advertising, she creates meticulously composed images that invite viewers to reconsider the everyday objects that surround them.
Her photographs are characterised by a minimalist aesthetic, often incorporating recycled and repurposed materials to highlight the potential for new life and meaning in pre-loved objects. The artist frequently introduces the faceless human form into these compositions, juxtaposing the body with inanimate objects to suggest a hidden world of animacy and potential within these seemingly inert forms.
Inspired by the aesthetics of various paintings and contemporary fashion photography, Michelle Qian Li's work is both visually compelling and conceptually rich. She aims to disrupt the viewer's expectations, encouraging them to question the reality presented to them and consider the deeper meaning behind the things they encounter in their daily lives.
Through her art, Michelle Qian Li seeks to spark conversations about consumerism, perception, our connection to the environment, and the subtle dialogue between humans and the material world.
Exhibition
- April 2025 'Uncanny Fashion, 5+7=12£, Winton & Westbourne', 'Colour 2025 Exhibition', The Glasgow Gallery of Photography, Glasgow, U.K
- Nov. 2024 'Uncanny Fashion, 2.5+2+1+6=11.5£, Winton', BBA 'One Shot Award', BBA Photography Prize Exhibition, BBA Gallery, Berlin, Germany
- Aug.-Sep. 2024 'Uncanny Fashion II', Postgraduate Summer Shows 2024, the Gallery, Arts University Bournemouth, Poole, U.K
- May. 2024 'Uncanny Fashion', AUB International Collective Exhibition 2024, the Gallery, Arts University Bournemouth, Poole, U.K
Awards
- BBA 'One Shot Award' 2024 Nominee
Her photographs are characterised by a minimalist aesthetic, often incorporating recycled and repurposed materials to highlight the potential for new life and meaning in pre-loved objects. The artist frequently introduces the faceless human form into these compositions, juxtaposing the body with inanimate objects to suggest a hidden world of animacy and potential within these seemingly inert forms.
Inspired by the aesthetics of various paintings and contemporary fashion photography, Michelle Qian Li's work is both visually compelling and conceptually rich. She aims to disrupt the viewer's expectations, encouraging them to question the reality presented to them and consider the deeper meaning behind the things they encounter in their daily lives.
Through her art, Michelle Qian Li seeks to spark conversations about consumerism, perception, our connection to the environment, and the subtle dialogue between humans and the material world.
Exhibition
- April 2025 'Uncanny Fashion, 5+7=12£, Winton & Westbourne', 'Colour 2025 Exhibition', The Glasgow Gallery of Photography, Glasgow, U.K
- Nov. 2024 'Uncanny Fashion, 2.5+2+1+6=11.5£, Winton', BBA 'One Shot Award', BBA Photography Prize Exhibition, BBA Gallery, Berlin, Germany
- Aug.-Sep. 2024 'Uncanny Fashion II', Postgraduate Summer Shows 2024, the Gallery, Arts University Bournemouth, Poole, U.K
- May. 2024 'Uncanny Fashion', AUB International Collective Exhibition 2024, the Gallery, Arts University Bournemouth, Poole, U.K
Awards
- BBA 'One Shot Award' 2024 Nominee