Ziyu Wang

*1998 CN, based in Shanghai (China )

Exhibited works:

Lads, 2023

With My Buddies, 2023

Untitled, 2022

Diaper, 2022

from the series “Go Get ’Em Boy“

“Throughout my upbringing – whether in family, society, or even in private settings among friends – there has always existed an invisible standard of masculinity. Failing to meet this standard would result in me being labeled as ‘special,’ though this designation carried no positive connotation.

My lingering questions about these norms persisted until I began engaging with gender studies. After I began my systematic study of photography, Claude Cahun and Cindy Sherman inspired me to begin a discussion of masculinity in the form of self-portraits.

Of course I want people to understand more about the situation of gay Asians through my work, but it’s difficult, so as a first step I first want Asian men to be seen, and as I’ve studied and lived in the UK, I’ve realized that in many cases, Asian men are not visible. Whenever Asian men are juxtaposed with men from other regions, Asian masculinity is subconsciously ranked at the bottom.”

Exhibition

GEN Z: SHAPING A NEW GAZE

Duration: May 9–August 30, 2026

Gen Z, one generation, countless perspectives: the exhibition presents works by over 40 photographers from 25 countries born between the 1990s and 2010. Their works reflect experiences shaped by digital worlds, social change and global crises. Across four thematic sections, the exhibition offers insights into the realities, concerns and aspirations of young people. Themes such as identity, belonging, the body and gender are explored creatively, questioned and reimagined through new forms of self-understanding.