Xinrui Qiu’s artistic practice is a striking reflection on the complexities of identity, both personal and collective. Her work gracefully oscillates between the deeply personal and broader societal themes, often inviting viewers into a space that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive. With an MA in Photography: The Image and Electronic Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a diverse exhibition history that spans the globe, Qiu’s creations are enriched by her academic background and cultural experiences. In her pieces “Nowhere But Home” and “I Thought You Would Like It,” Qiu examines universal questions of belonging and self-conception, yet through vastly different approaches: one, a meditative reflection on cultural displacement, the other, an exploration of the seemingly lighthearted but profound act of gift-giving. In both, she pushes the audience to look deeper, encouraging a more nuanced engagement with the intricate layers of identity.
Nowhere But Home (2023, ongoing, Analogue Photography)
In “Nowhere But Home,” Qiu delves into the unsettled feelings and complexities that come with a diasporic identity, with a particular focus on young Chinese individuals who find themselves alienated both at home and abroad. As political and social conditions in China grow more restrictive, many young people are compelled to seek new opportunities overseas. Yet, as Qiu powerfully conveys, even in foreign lands, these individuals often find themselves in a state of in-betweenness—unable to fully integrate into their new surroundings, while simultaneously feeling distanced from the cultural and emotional ties of their homeland.
Her use of analogue photography serves as more than just a stylistic choice; it adds a sense of timelessness and fragility, enhancing the emotional depth of the work. The soft tones and muted colors of the photographs mirror the existential struggles many in the diaspora face as they attempt to reconcile their identities across different cultural landscapes. The title “Nowhere But Home” is a poignant paradox—suggesting both the impossibility of finding a true home and the unshakeable pull of one’s roots.
What makes this work particularly compelling is its quiet yet profound examination of the emotional weight of displacement. Qiu’s ability to structure and explore this paradoxical space allows her to offer a deeply personal reflection on her own experience of diaspora. At the same time, she invites viewers to consider the broader human experience of belonging, alienation, and the universal search for identity—a theme that resonates even more strongly in today’s increasingly globalized world.
I Thought You Would Like It (2022)
“I Thought You Would Like It” takes a markedly different approach to the theme of identity, with Qiu focusing on the ways personal relationships and material objects shape our sense of self. The work, a concertina book format, is itself a playful nod to the unfolding and evolving nature of identity. Inside, Qiu juxtaposes images of birthday gifts she received from friends alongside handwritten notes and wishes, each offering a glimpse into how her friends perceive her.
The title hints at the subtle assumptions embedded in the act of gift-giving—we project our interpretations of someone onto the items we choose for them. It’s a simple act on the surface, but Qiu reveals a more intricate dynamic: each gift reflects not only the giver’s understanding of Qiu, but also how she may have shaped those perceptions, whether intentionally or not. This interplay between self-presentation and external perception lies at the heart of the piece, as it challenges viewers to think about the fluid nature of identity and how it is constantly molded by others’ views.
Though personal in tone, “I Thought You Would Like It” also speaks to larger social dynamics, particularly the ways materialism and consumer culture influence our relationships and self-image. Qiu’s inclusion of poetic and, at times, absurd phrases such as “Having sex with yourself is the very first step to fuck the world” adds a layer of humor and irreverence. These phrases offer a counterbalance to the more intimate elements of the work, encouraging viewers to reflect on the contradictions of human connection and the often bizarre ways we try to make sense of ourselves and others.
The combination of text and image creates a layered experience for the viewer, drawing them into an intimate yet playful space where material objects become metaphors for deeper social dynamics. The concertina format itself reflects the unfolding nature of identity, with each page revealing new dimensions of how we see ourselves and are seen by others.
Xinrui Qiu’s work masterfully navigates the themes of identity, belonging, and perception, exploring these concepts through very different yet interconnected lenses. Both “Nowhere But Home” and “I Thought You Would Like It” ask viewers to reflect on their own experiences of identity—whether it’s through the lens of cultural displacement or personal connections. With her thoughtful use of analogue photography and the innovative concertina book format, Qiu invites the audience into a conversation that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. Her ability to weave together the personal and the collective is what makes her work not only insightful but also profoundly relatable.
