Born 1979 in Guangdong, China. Lives and works in Beijing
Lin Zhipeng, known by his alias No.223, is a leading figure in contemporary Chinese photography. Emerging in the early 2000s, his work reflects and defines the spirit of a post-80s and 90s generation of non-mainstream Chinese youth. Operating in a traditionally conservative cultural landscape, Lin’s photographs act as a poetic and visually captivating diary of a generation eager to escape societal pressures, embracing love, freedom, and individuality amidst the constraints of a high-stakes society.
Inspired by the cinematic poetry of Wong Kar-Wai’s *Chungking Express*—from which he adopted his moniker "No.223"—Lin Zhipeng captures the dreamy and bittersweet essence of modern life. His images portray a vivid juxtaposition of jubilation and melancholy, intimacy and distance, fantasy and reality. Faded flowers tangled with flesh tones, intricate patterns, and soft lighting create an emotional ambiguity of love, chaos, and eroticism. Each photograph is imbued with a carefree, hedonistic optimism that pushes back against the conventional middle-class aspirations.
Lin Zhipeng’s creative journey began with his widely-read blog *North Latitude 23*, where he shared everyday images and thoughts. His work gained widespread recognition, leading to solo and group exhibitions in China and internationally, including at the Delaware Contemporary Museum, the Walther Collection in Ulm, De Sarthe Gallery in Beijing, Stieglitz19 Gallery in Antwerp, and M97 Gallery in Shanghai. He has also published several photography books in China, France, Japan, Canada, and Italy, contributing to his growing acclaim within the global art scene.
Lin’s practice combines spontaneity with preparation. Working closely with friends, he incorporates personal and symbolic objects into his photographs—clothing, home textiles, and carefully curated props—blurring the boundaries between staged and candid moments. His visual language is resolutely pop, drawing from a visual culture steeped in an overwhelming flow of images and symbols, yet his work celebrates the vitality of his generation rather than criticizing it.
Through his lens, Lin Zhipeng offers a tender yet raw perspective on the intimate lives of a young generation navigating the complex intersections of love, identity, and societal expectations. His works are not only a celebration of individuality but also a powerful commentary on the evolving dynamics of contemporary Chinese society, making him one of the most compelling voices in new Chinese photography.
For more information about his works.
