Roey Xinqi Qiu

About

I am Roey Xinqi Qiu, and my background in sociology allows me to approach photography with a critical eye, exploring themes of culture, society, and identity. Drawing from my queer and Asian heritage, I use my lens as a tool for introspection and self-expression, capturing moments of vulnerability and empowerment.

I have a deep passion for expressing femininity in all its forms—whether through portraits of women or images that symbolize femininity. My photography celebrates the strength, resilience, and beauty inherent in womanhood, challenging stereotypes and empowering individuals to embrace their true selves.

My work (Asian Pornography, 2024) explores the realm of Asian pornography by subverting traditional gender roles, placing male models in poses typically reserved for female performers. Initially sparked by my frustration with the pervasive portrayal of Asian females catering to male desires, my focus has evolved to capture and highlight the tenderness inherent in male vulnerability. As a lesbian artist, my queer perspective is central to this exploration, allowing me to approach the subject matter in a unique and non-eroticized manner.

At the core of my practice is a challenge to the stereotypes surrounding gender, desire, and power dynamics. By positioning male models in traditionally feminine poses, I blur the lines between reality and performance, underscoring the constructed nature of pornographic representation. This inversion of roles is not merely a simple power switch but a profound commentary on the authenticity of such portrayals, inviting viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about gender and desire.

I objectify the male models in a way that mirrors how females are often objectified in pornographic works but through a completely unsexual and unerotic lens. This “queer gaze” allows me to see these male models without the erotic context typically associated with pornography, adding a crucial layer to the exploration of power dynamics.

I emphasize the artifice behind pornographic imagery by integrating various studio elements, using unconventional equipment and setups to create an overtly unreal space. This deliberate construction serves to highlight the disparity between the portrayal of women in pornography and the reality of their experiences and desires.

Pornography often projects a false image, leading viewers to believe that the reactions and behaviours depicted are reflective of real women. By creating an unreal space where Asian males present themselves in ways they typically would not, I aim to disrupt this illusion. My work confronts the viewer with a reality that no Asian man would willingly present himself in, thereby questioning the inherent biases and expectations within the genre.