Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jinjin Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jinjin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my first solo exhibition, “In Her Company,” which documents the lives of a group of Chinese female friends I met while studying abroad. The exhibition explores themes of femininity, identity, and the silent strength found in everyday life.

Working on this project was both exciting and challenging. It was my first time curating a complete exhibition from start to finish—from finding the venue to conceptualizing and executing the work. I’m very grateful to Mint Gallery for providing me with the exhibition space. I loved how the gallery allowed me to display my work in a special sequence, giving depth to the narrative I wanted to present. At Mint, I had two rooms where I could showcase different aspects of my project.

One room focused on the complex relationship we had with Atlanta. As international students, we were neither tourists nor fully integrated into the city. We sought refuge in our apartments, strengthening our friendships in an unfamiliar cultural environment. Although our time together was brief, it was incredibly meaningful. The other room celebrated female friendship more broadly, using flowers and trees as visual metaphors to express the enduring, resilient, and beautiful nature of these relationships.

“In Her Company” holds a special place in my heart because it marks a significant milestone in my artistic journey. I was especially moved when ArtsATL reviewed my exhibition. It was the first time I truly felt my voice as an artist was being heard, and it inspired me to keep moving forward on my creative path.

Jinjin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jinjin Li, and I’m a photographer. My journey into photography began at the age of 19 when my father gifted me a Canon 750D camera for my birthday. That camera was my first, and it was through it that I fell in love with photography. It felt like I had finally found my world—a passion that made my eyes light up whenever I thought about it. I started photographing everything around me—my friends, landscapes, and anything that caught my eye.

As I grew more interested in photography, I began studying the work of various photographers online, trying to emulate their styles. I noticed many photographers were using film cameras, so I bought an Olympus OM-1 and began my journey into film photography. The unique combination of color, light, and the unpredictable nature of film captivated me. At that time, I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animation at a university in China. However, my growing interest in photography led me to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to pursue a master’s degree in photography. I wanted to explore the endless possibilities that photography could offer.

Before coming to SCAD, my work mostly revolved around capturing the small moments of everyday life and the people close to me. But after arriving in the United States, I started thinking more deeply about themes like identity, belonging, and the passage of time. I began to explore the beauty and strength of female friendship—how it’s unique, gentle, yet powerful. The impact SCAD had on me was immense; the friends, professors, and classmates I met here gave me tremendous encouragement and support.

I believe in the power of visuals to bring people closer to themselves and others. Pictures can express for me what is hard to describe in words. And it allows room for imagination. I can take pictures of anything I see, everyone can have a different view of my work, and even through photos I may find people who understand me. Through photography, I can ask questions, explore the world, and present my perspectives. It has become a tool I use to articulate my view of the world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to express emotions, ideas, and perspectives that might be difficult to convey through words alone. It’s about creating something that resonates with others, sparking a connection or a conversation. When someone sees my work and feels understood, inspired, or moved in some way, that’s incredibly fulfilling.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I hope to continue exploring and creating with photography well into my 80s, constantly evolving and finding new ways to express my vision and connect with others through this art form.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jinjinlla.com
• Instagram: auskcye

Image Credits

Jinjin Li