INTERVIEW
September 30, 2020
STRANGERS IN SHANGHAI
Photography by Cindy Wang
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Cindy Wang loves her city very much. She uses photography to record her obsession with strangers and their behaviour in and around Shanghai where she deliberately does not want to pursue perfection. Growing up in Shanghai, she has fond memories of her grandfather taking photos of her with a film camera. Her interest turned into a passion for street photography following the light and shadows.
IN CONVERSATION WITH CINDY WANG
TPL: Cindy, when did you start getting interested in photography?
CW: I am from Shanghai and I live and work here. I started drawing when in elementary school and continued to do so. I graduated from art school, majoring in interior design. I am currently designing clothes and accessories for dogs. My grandfather introduced me to photography but it was at University where I took a course in photography and bought my first camera which was a digital Olympus.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
CW: From movies and visiting art galleries worldwide, where I study the artistic geniuses from the past; also from my travels, where I have witnessed not only the most amazing scenery, but humble people going about their daily business.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
CW: Robert Doisneau and Walker Evans have inspired my photography.
TPL: What do you want to express through your photography? What are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs?
CW: I want to capture the meaningful 'moment in time' of my subject, with particular attention to using light and shade to its greatest effect.
TPL: Do you have a preferred lens/focal length?
CW: My favourite lens to use are 23mm F1.4 and 50mm F2
TPL: Do you prefer to shoot alone or with friends?
CW: I prefer to shoot alone so that I can concentrate on what I am trying to ​achieve without distractions.
TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph?
CW: The station, art centres, in the streets, the market, just about anywhere I find an interesting subject.
TPL: Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
CW: Yes, my style has changed dramatically...I originally shot buildings and landscapes. But now I look for something out of the ordinary, in the same way that Leonardo da Vinci used to go to the market in Florence to sketch old and interesting people. Just like is crowd scenes in his masterpieces, I look for interesting people in everyday life, perhaps in the streets, at the market, in the harbour, just anywhere, going about their daily business.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about?
CW: I regularly go down to the harbour in Shanghai and I am building a portfolio of life in Shanghai harbour.