Yan Jin
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Yan Jin and I'm a visual artist based in New York. My work includes photography, video, sculpture, and installations. My career path did not initially lead me to art. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to study abroad in France as an exchange student for a semester. During my time there, I stayed with a close friend who was deeply passionate about photography, which greatly influenced me. I just had my first camera! When I came back, I started experimenting with film photography and exclusively used a Bronica sq-ai camera for five or six years, until it unfortunately broke down during a trip.
2. Where did you study photography?
In 2018, I enrolled in the MFA program at the School of Visual Arts, specifically in the Department of Photography, Video, and Related Media, where I obtained my master's degree and officially embarked on my career as an artist. The Art School provides an excellent environment for meeting instructors and mentors, many of whom are renowned artists and critics. Their feedback is often insightful direct, and constructive. Their opinions are of great value to me. In addition, they offer recommended reading lists and introduce inspiring artists. My main source of art resources has been the school itself, including lectures and salons organized by the institution, as well as departmental art exhibitions that serve as a rehearsal for future exhibitions. These opportunities allow for trial and error and provide valuable experiences.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I don't remember the first one actually, but it should have been done with a point-and-shoot camera back then. I didn't realize it was the beginning of everything otherwise I probably would made a note.
4. What equipment do you use?
I use Canon Series, 6D, 5D Mark iii, and iv, and for video, I use Canon C200.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I just had three solo/two-person exhibitions in 2023. I hope I have the opportunity to have more exhibitions and shows and introduce my work to a wider audience. I would like to start another body of photographic work in 2024 experiment with new practices and enjoy myself while doing it.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I love being at the opening of my show and getting comments and feedback from the audience. I'm very grateful. I can tell every time they connect or relate to my work and that to me is the meaning of the artwork.
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
My work constantly challenges conventional notions that we often take for granted. I believe that the most crucial aspects of things are often hidden in their simplicity and familiarity. Through my work, I aim to reveal these hidden facets, making people aware and prompting them to reconsider these overlooked things.
8. Congratulations! As the winner of the New York Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It enriches my resume and it always feels great to be recognized and recognized. Also, seeing so many amazing photographers' work is inspiring and intriguing.
9. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 New York Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
"21 grams" is inspired by Nietzsche's "Eternal Recurrence", which was reinterpreted by Milan Kundera in his novel "The Unbearable Lightness of Being". 21 Grams is a contemporary representation of death and existence, exploring the breakdown of physical forms and uncontrollable parts of everyday life.
10. How has winning an award developed your career?
It gives me more confidence and I am ready to compete in more photography competitions and awards!
11. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Charles Traub is my mentor. He taught me everything. He keeps saying, Practice! practice! practice! He is a great person and very generous with his knowledge. He is also a wonderful photographer and a remarkable educator. I'm so lucky to have met him.
12. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
During my graduate studies, I learned that art, like any other subject, requires a lot of background study, theoretical reading, and practice. And when that's done, ideas come naturally. I think no matter what industry you are in and what kind of life experience you have, the one thing that remains constant is persistence repeated practice, and accumulation of experience, and this will never change.
13. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
As I mentioned in the last question, the most important quality is persistence. I believe that we all have our unique talents, but not many of us can use them to our fullest potential because not all of us can focus on the same thing consistently. Also, the ability to learn is important, keep an open mind and always be ready to listen! You will be amazed how much this can help you!
14. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I check out new open calls on different social media platforms and websites to put my name in the hat! While applying for these competitions, you keep moving and being exposed to other artists' peers and their wonderful art! This can be rewarding and mind-opening, not just focusing on your work but paying attention to what is happening now in the art world. Also, subscribe to those galleries and museums' newsletters and go to shows all the time!
