The fine folks at NeochaEDGE have received a sneak peek of My Private Broadway: Photobook 3, the new print release from Beijing-based photographer “No. 223” featuring his work over the past three years. A Guangzhou native, No. 223 (real name Lin Zhipeng) is well known for his shots of Chinese youth, in all their hip, irreverent, and surprisingly seductive glory.

Many images seem to reveal some kind of obsession with alienation. A number of No. 223′s scenes take place in dark interiors. The young figures in the photograph are often partially obscured or turned away from the viewer. In some cases, they don’t notice they’re being watched; in others, they deliberately seem to be avoiding direct confrontation (the exception being the excellent title image). Even in the scenes set in vast open space, the characters are often alone or isolated.

And it’s no coincidence: No. 223′s nickname is a reference to the badge number of a lovelorn police officer played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai in the Hong Kong movie Chungking Express. Its director Wong Kar-wai, of course, is widely known among the cinema circuit for his meandering films and their lonely, drifter characters.

Check out some of his photos for yourself. (Warning: some photos are NSFW!):

(Translation: Her back reads, “How to die?”)

They’re just too cool for school. I’m sure some would say this is why China’s “Jasmine Revolution” initially failed. The would-be protestor demographic too busy relishing in its meticulously posed cigarette haze… though perhaps not for long.

Previously on Artist Spotlight: Shing Yan Lau

(via NeochaEDGE)

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