Many people from Qingshan Liu's generation, who grew up in China during the 1990s, were raised in rural communities, separated from their parents as "left-behind children," or brought up in divorced households.
The experience of growing up without receiving enough love has deeply shaped Qingshan's own life and artistic practice.
Perhaps that is why his photographs continue to explore a longing for love and human connection.
The people in these photos are his friends, lovers, and fellow artists. Desire, loneliness, intimacy, anxiety, and tenderness coexist within their lives. They are not idealized or romanticized. Instead, Qingshan portrays people as they are: imperfect, contradictory, and doing their best to navigate the complexities of being human.
The Heat of the Body is a deeply personal record of one photographer's attempt to understand himself, the people he loves, and what it means to be alive.
Why Should You Buy This Zine?
Support an independent photographer pursuing his own path - Creating and exhibiting work like this is not always easy in China. Yet Qingshan continues to pursue the stories he believes in, now building his creative life in Japan. By purchasing this zine, you directly support an independent photographer committed to making honest and uncompromising work.
Experience a side of Chinese youth rarely seen elsewhere - Beyond headlines and stereotypes, these photographs offer an intimate glimpse into the emotional lives of contemporary Chinese youth. Their relationships, vulnerabilities, and struggles reveal a reality that often remains unseen.
A universal story about the desire to be loved - At its heart, this is not simply a book about China. It is a book about what it means to be human. The desire to be loved, to connect with others, and to be accepted for who we truly are. These are emotions that transcend borders, cultures, and generations.
Life is astonishingly short and fragile. Youth fades, and relationships gradually change.
That is why we hope you will keep this zine on your bookshelf, preserving these moments forever.
Zine Details
- Photographs by Qingshan Liu @qingshanliu_photo
- 148 × 210mm (A5)
- 44 pages
- Saddle stitched binding
- Printed in Japan
- Publish Date: March 2026
- Published by FAR EAST DARKROOM
Print Details
- All prints are signed
- Printed by the artist
- Size: A4 (210×297 mm) / A3 (297 x 420 mm)
- Open edition, printed in small batches
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