Progressive Street

My name is Tinglan Li, and I was born in Xinjiang. Currently, I reside in Chongqing, China, and throughout my life, I have moved frequently between different cities under the care of my relatives. Each relocation marks a new beginning while symbolizing the end of an old chapter. Through these changes in geography and culture, I have developed the ability to recognize unique yet familiar beauty in unfamiliar surroundings. For me, photography is a record of my life. It is a pure expression of joy, and when I take a photo, I am not looking for anything in particular. My motive is simple and hedonistic: I am seeking beauty.

I graduated from Xi'an International Studies University in 2015, majoring in Hindi. After that, I worked as a Chinese New Media Editor at Efifan, an art media company in Shanghai, China, and later as a Chinese Editor for AXD Space Art magazine in Chengdu, China. I gained experience in design critique and event photography. I also oversaw guest photography at the 2nd China Global Television Network (CGTN) Global Media Summit and the 8th CCTV+ Global Video Media Forum in Chongqing, China. I managed interior exhibition projects at three photography stores in Shanghai, China the following year.

In December 2019, the outbreak of COVID-19 prompted me to explore the relationship between people, urban public space, and the natural environment through photography and writing. In 2020, my photograph "An Embroidered Insole" was chosen for the #ICPConcerned project, curated by David Campany, and was exhibited at the International Center of Photography in New York, USA. The piece was later featured in the book "#ICPConcerned: Global Images for Global Crisis" by G Editions in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, I focused on creating "My Promised Land: Xinjiang," which was published in ProgresFestival Magazine. Currently, I am working on "My City: A Chongqing Story," which involves both photography and writing.