An unexpected sense of tranquillity shaped Wangkai Wei’s work significantly during his road trip across several states a year ago. As a result of his photography, America West offered a perfect canvas for reflections of the physical and emotional landscapes of those who inhabited them, as well as endless skies, open spaces, and subtle human imprints that convey solitude and detachment within his art.
In addition to exploring cultural identity and personal history, Wangkai found discoveries, stories and scenes daily. By capturing this complex interplay with traditional film techniques and digital methods, he created high-detail images that reflected the contemplative nature of road travel itself. His ever-shifting environment allowed him to capture this intricate interplay.
As viewers ponder their experiences of place, memory, and identity, Wangkai invites them to reflect on their own experiences. In order to encourage a deeper engagement with his images, he removes explicit emotional cues, challenging the viewer to interpret and respond to them as they see fit. With photography as his medium, Wangkai hopes to convey the vastness and complexity of America’s landscape; serving as a reminder of its beauty and diversity for viewers around the world.
