The essence of Alien Wang’s imagery lies in a silent dialogue between reality and the surreal. A Taiwanese-born photographer and director, Alien merges fashion with industrial elements and conceptual storytelling to craft immersive visual narratives. For him, photography is not a fixed language but a living mirror, an emotional process where colour becomes psychological projection and light channels energy. His work flows through unstable states of perception, oscillating between dream and presence. Rather than guiding the viewer’s gaze, he embraces ambiguity, allowing instinct and invisible forces to shape meaning.
Alien, thank you for sharing your thoughts with Shot Magazine. Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you realized that photography would become your language of expression?
There wasn’t a single defining moment that made me realize photography would become my language of expression. Instead, it has been a gradual, ever-evolving process. I believe photography can honestly reflect your emotional and mental state at each stage of life. It serves as a mirror to your inner world. As we continuously explore ourselves, our work becomes a record of this journey. This ongoing process of self-discovery and expression is what deeply draws me to photography.
As an artist born in Taiwan and working within an international context, how have your cultural roots influenced or continued to influence your creative process?
Growing up in Taiwan, my cultural background is rich with contrasts, ancient traditions intersecting with rapid modernization, nature colliding with industry, solitude merging with collective culture. These experiences have profoundly shaped my artistic perspective. My work often reflects this tension, striving to find a balance between past and present, the personal and the universal, capturing the fleeting moments that define our shared human experience. This cultural duality allows me to approach each creative project with a more layered perspective, constantly seeking the poetic balance between chaos and order.
When approaching a new project or campaign, where do you begin? With a mental image, a feeling, or a precise concept?
My creative approach varies depending on the project, but for personal work, I always start from an emotional place. Emotions are the most genuine and raw form of expression. I aim to channel these feelings into my images, weaving them into every element, from the subject to the setting, from the atmosphere to the smallest detail, creating a cohesive emotional narrative. I often rely on music to guide my mindset, using it to set the tone for the shoot and immerse myself in the creative process. Unlike commercial work, which can be more structured, my personal projects thrive in ambiguity, allowing for spontaneity and intuitive responses.
Color and light emerge as central elements in your work, often creating a tension that borders on the surreal. What emotional or conceptual role do these tools play in your visual language?
I like to extract elements from reality to construct a surreal atmosphere, creating a momentary sense of detachment. For me, color is a psychological projection, a direct link to emotion, while light defines the mood and energy of the scene. These two elements are inseparable in my work, they collide, blend, and respond to each other, creating the tone and texture I aim to capture. On set, I focus intensely on the present, tuning into the energy of the moment to find the right balance.
To what extent do your images reflect reality, and where does illusion begin in your visual storytelling?
For me, reality and illusion coexist. I try to capture the surreal within the real, seeking out those fleeting moments that blur the boundaries of time and space. It’s like searching for an unclear answer, something you can only discover through the lens in that precise, unrepeatable moment.
Is there a philosophy or inner force that shapes your artistic vision? Something that recurs, even quietly, throughout your work?
I believe there is an internal force guiding my work, though it’s not something I can clearly define. It’s a blend of everything I’ve seen, felt, and experienced, a collection of memories and perceptions that gradually shape my identity as a creator. This force has no fixed form, constantly evolving. The key is to find an honest way to express these experiences, transforming them into a personal visual language.
What do you see when your eyes are wide shut?
When I close my eyes, I try to empty my mind, letting go of all conscious thoughts. This emptiness is the soil where awareness and insight can grow, allowing ideas and images to surface naturally. It’s a process of quieting the noise, creating space for clarity.
What trace do you hope your images leave in the viewer’s mind: an emotion, a sense of disorientation, a suggested narrative?
I don’t set out to predetermine how my work should impact others. My primary concern is whether the piece resonates with me first, if it moves me, then it might have a chance to touch others as well. I believe this requires time and accumulated experience, internalizing these emotions before transforming them into meaningful art. This pursuit of deeper connections is what keeps me motivated on my photographic journey.
