Gangao Lang
Second-Self Introduction

In Second Self-Introduction, Gangao Lang alternates fragments of landscapes with a series of digitally reworked portraits of her friend Li Wanyue.

Using digital tools, Gangao Lang retouches her model’s features, accentuating their lines and volumes and adding geometrical figures. By playing with colour and light, she also emphasises the emotions she perceives in her friend, using this poetic formal process to create an intimate portrait.

Gangao Lang naturally includes digital tools in her artistic practice. They allow her to create “an elusive sense of unease that intensifies the sensitive dimension of reality”. Her works reveal a desire to distance herself from the idea that photography is an objective record, using digital editing to intensify what is imperceptible.

Image : Gangao Lang Sans titre, 2019 – Papier mat contrecollé sur Dibond © Gangao Lang

In 2018 Dior created the Photography Award for Young Talents in partnership with the École nationale supérieure de la photographie (ENSP) in Arles
and hosted by Luma Arles. Aimed at supporting and promoting emerging photographers, the Award, which has a different theme each year, honours the work of young graduates from major international art and photography schools. It is awarded each year at the beginning of July, in parallel with the Rencontres d’Arles.

For the second edition, whose theme was “Woman-Women Faces” and whose key words were beauty, femininity and colour, the Jury of the Dior Photography Award for Young Talents rewarded the work of Chinese photographer Gangao Lang.