Opening Reception:
Thursday, June 4
6:00pm–8:00pm
*The artist will be present

Akio Nagasawa Gallery Ginza is pleased to present “223 BY 223,” a solo exhibition by Lin Zhipeng (No.223), one of the leading figures in contemporary Chinese photography.

Born in Guangdong, China in 1979, Lin Zhipeng is currently based in Beijing, where he works as a photographer and freelance writer. Since 2003, he has published photographs accompanied by short texts on his personal blog, and began pursuing photography seriously in 2004. Through a wide range of activitie – including magazine editing and publishing as well as fashion photography – he has had a significant influence on younger generations in China.

Lin Zhipeng held his first solo exhibition in Japan at Akio Nagasawa Gallery Aoyama in 2019. This second exhibition, presented at Akio Nagasawa Gallery Ginza, will focus primarily on previously unpublished works. Centered on close friends and people within his immediate circle, Lin’ s photographs candidly portray the everyday lives and culture of young people in contemporary China. While his images may at times appear erotic, the artist does not intentionally isolate such moments; rather, he regards them as natural and important aspects of daily life. The use of the name “No.223” (derived from Wong Kar Wai’ s 1994 film “Chungking Express” ) reflects the social environment in China, where representations of sexuality are subject to strict regulations. At the same time, Lin notes that Beijing’ s art scene remains relatively open toward such forms of expression, and that he has not experienced major difficulties in continuing his practice.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Akio Nagasawa Publishing will release “223 BY 223” Vol.1.

Through the exhibition and the photobook, we hope you will experience Lin Zhipeng’ s vivid portrayal of the intimate daily lives of young people in contemporary China and the atmosphere of their generation. We sincerely hope you will be able to join us on this occasion.