Feng Li Solo - Unseen Amsterdam
After his solo exhibition at Fotografiska Shanghai, Feng Li is entering a new phase in his photographic journey.
Born in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, in 1971, Feng Li 冯立 lives and works in Chengdu. He graduated from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, majoring in Decorative Arts. Feng began his photography career as a civil servant for the provincial Department of Communication, where he continues to work. In 2005, he transitioned into freelance photography, gaining recognition for his bold compositions, vibrant colors, and keen eye for capturing the absurdities of modern life. His work has been exhibited in numerous festivals and galleries, including Galerie f16 in Paris, Buchkunst in Berlin, BredaPhoto Festival, A4 Museum in Chengdu, Les Rencontres d’Arles, Jimei x Arles Photography Festival in Xiamen, Zongmu Biennale in Chengdu, and China Biennale in Anren, among others. Feng Li has earned several international accolades, including the Jimei x Arles Discovery Award in 2017, Best Photographer Prize at the Jinan International Photo Biennale in 2012, and the Grand Jury Prize at the Lianzhou Photo Festival in 2012. His works, *Good Night* (2022) and *White Night* (2017), were published by Jiazazhi, and *Ocean Flame* (2022) by Lonely Library.
As a civil servant for the Sichuan provincial Department of Communication, Feng Li's duties involve photographing local events for the organization's Propaganda Department. These assignments give him access to unique locations and scenarios, exposing him to a constant flow of intriguing subject matter. After completing his commissioned work, he often takes his personal camera to capture candid moments for his acclaimed series *White Night*.
Some activities are governed by rules, methods, and discipline, while others embrace freedom, spontaneity, and enjoyment. The Greek term *ilinx*, meaning whirlpool, encapsulates the latter, with dancing being the most fitting expression of this concept. Feng Li's series *Golden Times* takes its name from a vacant lot called Golden Beach, located near Chengdu airport, where, at dusk, thousands gather for impromptu dance raves. These events, organized via social media, are remarkable because most participants are not young but older individuals who, for two or three hours multiple times a week, gather to dance nonstop. "The event later moved to a new location, but for a while, I was fortunate enough to share in these moments of wild dancing," says Feng Li, the creator of the series.
