Photographer creates world of still, but not plain selfies

A selfie is, by definition, of the self. It is an image taken by the image taker. The word, like the technology used, may be modern, but looking at a self image is steeped in history and myth.

Liu Ziqian has stepped up to the challenge. She has taken the selfie to a higher level to achieve, she says, harmony between humans and nature, and to offer alternate perspectives for people to ponder.

With her selfie photos, she not only garnered numerous followers on Instagram and Sina Weibo but also won critical acclaim. As an emerging photographer, she was selected among the top 30 women photographers under 30 this year by Artpil, an international organization with a focus on modern and contemporary arts.

Liu turns ordinary items, such as pieces of fruit and a mirror, into extraordinary works of art. Hiding her face behind daily objects and playing with shadow and reflection, the freelance photographer in Shanghai turns the lens to her body, creating "a small world, which is still, but not plain", according to Liu.