Aseptic Field by Lean Lui
In "Aseptic Field," Lean Lui explores themes of purity and innocence through her photography, set against the backdrop of external influences she portrays as almost 'contagious.'
This dynamic creates a tension that not only shapes but also colors one's inner self, illustrating the profound impact of external environments. "The book is about this metaphorical, protected space where you’re allowed to peer inside, but there’s this constant flow between what’s inside and what’s outside," Lean explains. "It’s filled with emotional layers that the viewer has to navigate."
She describes "Aseptic Field" as a narrative akin to an aware Eve in the Garden of Eden—aware of the forbidden fruits but choosing restraint. The imagery in her book is rich with metaphors, straddling lines between innocence and eroticism, attraction and distance. "It's like observing something intensely seductive from afar—undeniably attractive yet untouchable," she adds.
Discussing the title, Lean notes, "Aseptic Field might sound clinical, but it’s a realm of tumultuous emotions and surging desires." She emphasizes the importance of preserving both honesty and desire within this space, rejecting simple binaries to embrace a more nuanced ambiguity and fluidity.
Lean’s work invites us to reflect on how our personal spaces are shaped and sometimes invaded by the external world, offering a lens through which we can view our own interactions with the spaces we inhabit.
Lean Lui, a Hong kong based fine art and fashion photographer with a Master’s degree from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts in London, brings a unique perspective to the lens. As a guest lecturer at HKU Space, Lean delves into the nuances of contemporary photography, reflecting her deep engagement with the field. Her latest work, "Aseptic Field," published by Setanta Books, navigates the complex interplay between personal space and the external world.
Photography: Lean Lui
Text: Zuzanna Gasior