Between Your Eyes and Mine
In what way do personal connections that stem from the similarities in experiences form a thread between individuals? How can this thread allow for a safe place to be created and establish the required trust between the photographer and their subjects?
With his project, Between Your Eyes and Mine, Kaishui seeks to shorten the invisible distance between himself and his subjects, entering their intimate spaces to gain a deeper understanding of their realities.
Documenting over 30 individuals and couples from 2022 is a project about the drivers that lead people to leave their home country and immerse themselves in different cultures and societies while striving to define their own unique identities under the new circumstances. For Kaishui, this project serves as a starting point for further research, as he explains, “Moving forward, this experience will guide my themes toward deeper reflections on identity, community, and cultural intersections.”
Kaishui Yikai Liu is a Chinese visual artist currently based in London, UK. He gained his BA in Digital Media from the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts and is in the process of getting an MA in Fashion Photography at the London College Of Fashion. In this interview, we speak with Kaishui about his project Between Your Eyes and Mine, which focuses on the experiences of Chinese youth like himself, who moved to the UK to study art. We begin by examining Kaishui’s own trajectory of decision-making and relocation for his studies. Then, we draw a parallel between his experience of the distinct culture and that of his sitters to establish a common ground to reach some conclusions on this topic. The feeling of loneliness and the confidence gained throughout this process lead to the realization that while the experiences may be shared, they remain unique to each individual. The essence of the project lies in the necessity for individuals to embrace new conditions and society. Through integration, while retaining their identities, they can form new ones.
‘Coming to the UK was initially challenging. Unlike a structured, technique-focused environment in my undergraduate studies, my MA in Fashion Photography here emphasized personal vision, artistic expression, and creative independence.’
Personal Experience
Hi Kaishui, it’s lovely to meet you to discuss your recent project - Between Your Eyes and Mine. I would love to discuss your decision to choose a field of study and relocate from China to the UK. You’ve studied Digital Media Art at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts in China and continued to an MA in Fashion Photography at the London College Of Fashion. What are the main differences in culture and ways of working to find your own stylistics and voice in art between the two countries, and why did you decide to continue education in London specifically?
Hi, WÜL Magazine! It’s a pleasure to share my project, Between Your Eyes and Mine. When I first studied Digital Media Art in China, it was like my entry point into visual arts, a phase that sparked my love for photography. The program was very comprehensive — we covered everything from animation and game design to 3D and video editing, including some photography. I felt like a beginner exploring many paths, but spending long hours on computer-based creations sometimes left me craving a more direct, human connection.
In my second year, I discovered the unique energy of photography — capturing raw human interactions and observing the world through my lens. I felt a rush of creativity and began my first photo project, August. This experience and photography opportunities for fashion students fueled my desire for further specialized study abroad.
Coming to the UK was initially challenging. Unlike a structured, technique-focused environment in my undergraduate studies, my MA in Fashion Photography here emphasized personal vision, artistic expression, and creative independence. It was less about technical instruction and more about developing a unique perspective and research approach. This self-directed style was a shift for me, but it pushed me to grow in new ways as an artist. In the end, both educational approaches have shaped me deeply. Each has been a valuable part of my journey and has contributed to my growth as a photographer and visual storyteller.
‘This common experience has shown me that studying abroad is not just about acquiring knowledge — it is a profound journey of self-growth and identity transformation.’
Between Your Eyes and Mine
In the project, Between Your Eyes and Mine, you focus on self-identification and cultural differences that Chinese students experience living and studying abroad in the UK. This theme echoes your personal experience that enabled you to relate on a deeper layer to the stories of others. What were some of the discussions you had with fellow students, and what experiences are similar or perhaps distinct from yours?
In my casual conversations with fellow students and creatives, I found that while it was helpful to have a guiding topic, it was even more important to allow them the freedom to express their perspectives on studying abroad and their future plans. We often discussed questions like, “Would you want to stay in the UK after graduation? Why?” or “Do you feel that studying here has been worth it?” Through these discussions, we discovered shared challenges and motivations that push us forward.
This common experience has shown me that studying abroad is not just about acquiring knowledge — it is a profound journey of self-growth and identity transformation. Beyond the academics, it’s a subtle but significant differences between Eastern and Western perspectives, ways of life, and even food cultures that spark deep reflections on our identities, prompting us to reshape who we are within this changing environment.
Throughout this process, I became fascinated by a deep sense of self-driven determination that keeps us resilient despite language barriers, cultural differences, and moments of feeling lost. Together, we’re eager to learn from this experience while preserving our unique cultural roots, which are not only a foundation for our creative expression but also provide a fresh perspective on art and fashion. By blending two cultural backgrounds, we hope to contribute something unique and profound to the creative fields we love.
Each participant’s story, however, is uniquely their own. Though we may share similar interests in this environment, each person’s growth journey, cultural background, and even economic standing bring distinct perspectives and values to their experiences abroad. In particular, I noticed that differing financial backgrounds shape individuals' views on the value of studying abroad, making it impossible to generalize 'the difference' without honoring each individual’s unique experiences.
‘During the shoot, I focus on capturing subtle details in their space, as these reveal much about their sense of self and belonging.’
The Theme
Another layer has to do with intimacy and the decision to make pictures in students' homes, their intimate spaces where the true self abides. The images are portraits of single people and of couples. What is your way of working with the subjects you choose to photograph, and how do you create intimate stories about the real self?
When working with the participants, I intentionally choose their homes as the setting because a home is a personal, intimate space where they can feel safe. Before shooting, I spend time connecting with them — engaging in genuine conversations to understand how they relate to their surroundings. This dialogue is essential; it builds the trust that lets them feel comfortable and authentic in front of the camera.
During the shoot, I focus on capturing subtle details in their space, as these reveal much about their sense of self and belonging. Their personal arrangements, every chosen item, reflect their identity and emotional journey. By creating a safe, respectful atmosphere, I aim to draw out these elements naturally, allowing their true selves to surface and enabling me to capture intimate, unguarded moments that tell a deeper story of who they are in this shared yet personal space.
‘Engaging with each participant, I’ve come to understand the complexity of their experiences — the uncertainty, the efforts, and the resilience they show in pursuit of their own identity and purpose abroad.’
The Learnings
What have you learned in the process of documenting over 30 people since 2022, and how does it help you define your main themes to work on in the future?
Since 2022, documenting the lives of over 30 individuals has been a journey of growth and reflection for me. Engaging with each participant, I’ve come to understand the complexity of their experiences — the uncertainty, the efforts, and the resilience they show in pursuit of their own identity and purpose abroad. Initially, I approached the subject of studying abroad with a somewhat critical perspective, but I soon realized that this view was too narrow. I had overlooked the emotional and psychological layers involved, the nuanced challenges of identity, belonging, and adaptation they face in a foreign culture.
This process has shifted my focus from personal introspection to a broader examination of social and individual realities. I’ve come to see that the journey of studying abroad goes beyond acquiring a degree; it’s a deeply personal exploration of self-identity and cultural integration. This shift has brought balance to my work, blending personal and societal observations to create pieces that are both inclusive and complex. Moving forward, this experience will guide my themes toward deeper reflections on identity, community, and cultural intersections, allowing me to approach my art with a more thoughtful, mature lens that captures the intertwined stories of society and individual growth.
