Mysterious Skin

Book Review

Publisher: Stockmans Art Books

Specs: Softcover, 210 x 297 mm, 32 pages

Price: €35

In the past years, we have witnessed the rise of Chinese contemporary photography, particularly, on the European market. We can see the increasing presence of such artists in galleries and fairs. What is this sudden fascination among European audiences? Is it our surprise to see those bodies entangled and revealed outside of the boxes that were presented to us via mainstream media? Or Is it unfamiliar aesthetics and symbolism that we opened our perspectives to?

Lin Zhipeng (aka No. 223) can certainly be considered one of the leading figures in this tide, having his work showcased through Steiglitz19 in a group setting last year and this coming year solo via M79 at Paris Photo. Apart from his presence at the largest art fair in Europe, the Beijing-based artist is well-known for his publications. 223’s latest photobook Mysterious Skin, portrays a young Chinese subculture existing outside of expectations and stereotypes; simply living their hedonistic urban lifestyle.

Our first encounter with the book is an orange reflective cover — an envelope that needs to be opened to access the pages. The flashy material turns it into this shiny, alluring object to which we get attracted like a magpie. Excited to see what is inside, we discover a simple softcover book presenting a well-curated sequence of images. Still lifes are combined with nudes. The focus seems to be on textures where the bodies are soft while juxtaposed against harsh textures of fabrics and flora. Immersing ourselves in an ephemeral world of provocation, playfulness, and mystery, we begin to feel the longing to be part of this world too.

“Immersing ourselves in an ephemeral world of provocation, playfulness, and mystery, we begin to feel the longing to be part of this world too.“

Interestingly, 223 took his artist name from Wong Kar-Wai’s police character in Chungking Express movie. I see a lot of influence from Kar-Wai in terms of themes and aesthetics which are now brought to a more contemporary and hip context. They are both innovators and poets at heart who share their visions of love with us. As Kar-Wai said: “It is always good to work with a very regular group of people because we know how high we can fly and what are the parameters, and it becomes very enjoyable.” This joyful way of working is also visible in 223’s creative process which tends to involve close friends or strangers scouted online, escaping the middle-class illusion and instead, paving way for serendipity and realness.

“Hungry for more, we are sipping from 223’s cocktail of vulnerability and experimentation.”

Mysterious Skin is a mood-inducing book stuck in its own temporality. Enriching the mundane with a spice of erotica, juicy fruit, and colourful flowers, 223 makes us want it all. Hungry for more, we are sipping from 223’s cocktail of vulnerability and experimentation.

Published on the occasion of the same name exhibition at Stieglitz19 Gallery in Antwerp in September 2023, doesn’t make the book secondary. At the event, they complemented each other yet maintained the ability to exist as separate entities. Having diaristic and optimistic qualities, Mysterious Skin is an object to be cherished in our libraries.

Mysterious Skin is currently sold out but will be soon re-printed and available for purchase via Stockmans Art Books here.

Lin Zhipeng

is a leading figure in new Chinese photography emerging in the last decade, popularizing his work originally via social media and other online platforms as well as his self-published zines. Lin’s work has come to reflect and define a certain zeitgeist of the post-80s and 90s generation of nonmainstream Chinese youth. Amidst an otherwise conservative and often closed traditional society and cultural background, Lin’s photographs act as a collective not-so-private diary of a young generation wishing to escape the pressures of a high-stakes society and play within its limits.

Stockmans Art Books

is a Belgian publisher who finds its inspiration in the beauty of art. Driven by their love for paper, typography, and design already since 1875, their signature lies in originality and commitment to craftsmanship.

Text by Linda Zhengová

Curator of Discarded Magazine & XXX

She is a photographer and writer dealing with the topics of trauma, gender and sexuality.