The photographer creates an ambiguous representation by precisely reproducing the codes of traditional portraiture in painting. While continuing to rework the codes of the traditional portrait, Yang Bin also represents his characters in 3/4 profiles. The face thus becomes more expressive and the representation is therefore more personal. The model is associated with attributes that symbolise the individual's role or social status. Yang Bin's photographs place particular emphasis on settings. The relationships between the various planes and the subject construct the work. The backgrounds comprise several shots put together and highlight effects of perspective. The artificial landscapes created in this way do not intend to provide indications of location but represent allegories of the world.

**The artist: Yang Bin**

After studying the history of art with a focus on classical painting, Yang Bin, then 31 years old, finally launched himself into photography. Success was rapid and works by this Chinese artist, born in Beijing in 1975, already feature in numerous private collections around the world. Now a photographer, the artist is not ready to renounce his theoretical painting background. Yang Bin composes his photographs like a painter constructs paintings and an artist’s style transforms his models.