Between Reality and Fiction

Steven Xiao is a photographer specializing in staged and documentary photography. His work blends meticulously constructed scenes with evocative storytelling, exploring themes of identity, cultural symbolism, and social norms. Often centering the female form, he examines the intersections of desire, politics, and representation.

After studying photography in the U.S., Xiao refined his craft under the mentorship of Taiwanese photographer Juan I-Jong. Influenced by humanistic documentary traditions, he develops surreal, thought-provoking compositions that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction. Through dramatic lighting and carefully arranged elements, his images create an atmosphere of mystery and tension, inviting viewers into an immersive narrative.

Xiao’s practice challenges conventional perspectives, using visual storytelling to provoke deeper reflections on contemporary life. His photographs have been featured in exhibitions and publications, gaining recognition for their striking interplay of meaning and form