Sun Kai Qiang documents the quiet moments at a Chinese art school

Serene and peaceful, Sun Kai Qiang’s series School Selfie is a dreamy depiction of art school life. Documenting the China Academy of Art where she studies, Sun Kai’s images quietly document the architecture and light that stream daily into the school. Peachy, pastel tones are set against the off-white staircases and floors and the whole series contrasts with the paint-spattered chaos I usually associate with art schools. Her images feel clean and orderly, and it’s the focus on the structures and shapes within the school building that I’m drawn to most. But the solitary figure or head of hair reminds me of the flurry of students that are beavering away within.