Pillow Talk
Written by — Chahe
Pillow Talk is about viewing intimate relationships as a playful game. To me, being in a relationship is like being part of a game. Fueled by hormones, the individuals involved create unique sets of actions and rules based on their mutual understanding. As we play, we keep adding new rules and exciting elements, all in the quest to define our relationship and meet each other's expectations. Parts of the relationship that might seem illogical, silly, or even cliché to outsiders often become beautified within this game. It’s a complex interplay involving imagination, novelty, superstition and a nearly addictive pleasure. In my view, if a relationship is a game, it must be engaging. However, it also requires one to navigate the underlying anxieties, imperfections, and the rough edges that gradually come to light. This leads to the critical question of whether to timely update the game's rules or to consider stepping out. Through the visual storytelling, I aim to capture and convey the intricate, often indescribable emotions that arise in intimate relationships. By presenting these fragmented yet personal records of my feelings, I embrace the playful spirit of a true participant in the game.
Chahe is a Chinese multidisciplinary artist based in Shanghai and London. He graduated from MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at London College of Communication. He works across a range of media including painting, photography and video. His work explores how images and videos can be scaffolded and reconstructed to represent the hidden, deeper layers of people’s lifestyles and mindsets. In his work, he is seeking for the tension between playfulness and seriousness, and for things that are inexplicable and obvious.
