V Magazine China

Apr 2026

V Magazine China explores the visceral intersection of identity and artifice in The Emotion, a striking editorial portrait series that pushes the boundaries of conventional beauty photography. By leaning into an avant-garde aesthetic, the project centers on raw, expressive human canvases, utilizing high-fashion styling to challenge traditional perceptions of the portrait. The collection is defined by its experimental approach to texture and color, where makeup functions not just as a cosmetic application but as a primary medium for architectural expression. Through the lens of photographer Xiao Gang, the series employs a rigorous mix of studio strobe and natural light to emphasize both the harshness and the delicate humanity of its subjects. Stylistic choices, including graphic pigments in vivid blues, yellows, and purples, are paired with deliberate, disheveled hair design by Xueliang Liu and evocative, high-contrast makeup by Wang Qian. This creates a visual tension, further heightened by the use of metallic accents, leather textures, and surreal hair structures. The resulting imagery is quintessentially editorial, moving between macro, high-intensity portraits and more sculptural, fine art compositions. By stripping away background distraction in favor of a neutral studio environment, the project ensures that every detail—from the shimmer of glitter to the deliberate placement of braces—commands the viewer's attention in a series that is as much about psychological depth as it is about style.

Editorial, Vertical

Studio strobe