Shina Peng Interview
Each month, we ask a photographer to picture a Corneliani Travel Jacket on someone, somewhere in the world. These shots were taken in New York by Shina Peng, a photographer based between Tokyo and New York. Her work is heavily inspired by the relationships in her life, and touches on themes of identity, intersectionality and belonging. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Vogue and the FT, and she has also worked with Fujifilm, Nike and more.
Where did you take these pictures?
Shina Peng: «I took these photos in the West Village at Caffè Reggio and near Washington Square Park».
Who’s wearing the Travel Jacket?
Shina Peng «My best friend, Ivo, who I met when I attended college in New York».
What was the mood you were trying to convey?
Shina Peng: «I don't know if there was a particular mood that I was trying to express but with my work, I try to convey a moment or memory. I take a lot of photographs so that I don't forget moments with the people that I love. I have a hard time with change and, as I've gotten older, these photographs of my relationships have been a way for me to cope with how fast time moves».
What does this location mean to you?
Shina Peng: «I don't go here much anymore, but this is where I met a lot of my closest friends. It's definitely a place that reminds me of my college days».
Do you think the images you’ve captured say something about you – or do you try to keep yourself out of the frame?
Shina Peng: «I always try to bring myself into the photographs. Like with this one: it is a photograph of my best friend at the place that we met».
What do you like about travelling?
Shina Peng: «Travelling, since getting older, has been mostly me going back home to see my parents [in Japan]. I love being able to spend time with them. I love seeing new places and walking around cities that I have gotten to see since becoming older. Right now, I am in London with my close friends visiting Ivo's family».».
What does your style say about who you are?
Shina Peng: «I think my work is quite nostalgic. I want to believe that it conveys how sentimental I am».
Do you feel most like yourself when you’re at home or when you’re travelling?
Shina Peng: «I think there are two versions of myself that are fulfilled in both cases. When I'm home, I'm definitely more focused on work but when I travel, I get to be more curious. I am someone who likes to wander and discover new things. Although I try my best to do that at home, I do find myself falling into habits that don't allow me to discover new things as much as I do when I travel».
What’s something unexpected that’s always in your suitcase?
Shina Peng: «I have a small red piece of paper that my mother bought that supposedly protects you when you travel. I carry that with me if I ever need to go on a plane».
How did the Travel Jacket hold up in the field?
Shina Peng: «The jacket held up great!».
SHINA PENG
Shina Peng is a photographer based between Tokyo and New York. She is Taiwanese American born and raised in Kobe, Japan. Her work is heavily inspired by the relationships in her life and touches on themes of identity, intersectionality and belonging. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Vogue and The FT Financial Times and she also works with brands such as Fujifilm and Nike.
