“She” is an ongoing black-and-white fine art series documenting women artists within their private studios. Historically, women were often depicted as objects to be gazed upon rather than acknowledged as creators. Through the slow, deliberate act of large-format analog photography, I invite viewers to look differently—to see their strength, intelligence, and ambition. By including my own self-portrait, I collapse the boundary between observer and subject, reclaiming the gaze and affirming women’s enduring presence in the spaces where they create.
Tian Liu is a Chinese photographer, inspired by her living experiences between China and the U.S. Her work delves into identity, belonging, and gender, challenging societal norms and exploring personal and collective stories. Through her photography, Liu captures the nuances of cultural and personal narratives, aiming to connect individual experiences with larger societal themes. She received her M.F.A. in Photography and Media from the California Institute of the Arts in 2024.
