Artist Profile

Xiaoyanqi is an art academy student whose photographic practice explores the relationship between human presence, memory, and the urban environment. In the series Urban Memories: Traces Left Behind, monochrome photography captures the subtle remnants of everyday life, including shadows, reflections, abandoned objects, and weathered surfaces. These overlooked details become quiet records of human activity, revealing how cities retain traces of those who have passed through them. Extending the idea of sustainability beyond environmental preservation, Xiaoyanqi considers the importance of safeguarding the memories, emotions, and cultural histories embedded in our surroundings. The series reflects on how these traces shape our perceptions of place, time, and belonging.