Blossoming Through Emptiness
Just a passing moment,
untouched by time, space, and statement—
破空
Breaking the Void
Digital photography
Embrace its rise, and its gentle fall,
like water’s fleeting dance—
寂问
Quiet Inquiry
Digital photography
untouched by time, space, and statement—
破空
Breaking the Void
Digital photography
Embrace its rise, and its gentle fall,
like water’s fleeting dance—
寂问
Quiet Inquiry
Digital photography
but the sea returns to calm.
朝光
Toward the Dawn
Digital photography
Interviewing
Rui
EST8: Your work carries strong Buddhist and Zen influences. Is this linked to the traditional culture of your hometown, Chaozhou?
Rui: I’ve always been rebellious, rejecting the superstitions of Chaozhou. As I grew older, my aversion only deepened. My encounter with Buddhism was incidental. While studying photography in Beijing, I was invited to photograph a temple abbot. That experience sparked an interest, guided by my instincts. I never actively studied Zen; it was through my wife’s introduction to Osho’s teachings that my perspective evolved. When I first began creating, my approach was different—it developed through experimentation, shaped by my understanding of photography and post-production.
礼佛系列
Act of Reverence, 1, 2, 3, 4
Digital photography
千寻
A Thousand Searches
Digital photography
EST8: So, is post-production a key element in your work?
Rui: Both the shooting and post-production are equally essential. I approach creation without preset expectations. A person is part of nature; when we connect with it, things unfold naturally. I want my inner energy to flow outward and connect with the world.
Post-production is a dialogue with myself—a process of discovering and presenting my inner state. It allows me to transform my internal world into images, forging a deeper connection with the external world.
礼佛系列
Act of Reverence, 5
Digital photography
EST8: Some critics describe your work as “photography as poetry”. What kind of poetry are you writing?
Rui: It’s difficult to define my style. It’s fluid, ever-changing—more like spontaneous, stream-of-consciousness poetry.
“Emptiness” is my core concept—an embodiment of “non-action.” I aim to clear my mind of unnecessary clutter. Much of what we know is irrelevant, shaped by societal influence and external opinions. Like the purity of childhood innocence, which fades as we age and absorb more information. Cleansing the mind of distractions is a return to truth.
等船人
The Waiting Ones
Digital photography
EST8: In a materialistic world, is it truly possible to achieve “emptiness”? How do you find balance between the internal and external worlds?
Rui: Becoming aware of this brings one into a state of awareness. Staying neutral, without investing too much emotion—everything is illusory. The external world creates ripples in our minds. Detach from this, not overthink, as it clouds inner clarity. External forces influence us, but at our core, we must remain still. Social conditioning disrupts our purity.
忘形
Losing Form
Digital photography
Losing Form
Digital photography
长亭外
Outside the Pavilion
Digital photography
Outside the Pavilion
Digital photography
Rui: A bird flies across the sky, leaving no trace. Reflecting on life from different stages, what once troubled us now seems trivial. Pain fills the present, but it too will dissipate. Disputes are unnecessary—acceptance and resolution are key. Arguing only creates more problems.
EST8: Is the existence of “problems” inherently negative?
Rui: I dislike artists who merely pose problems without offering solutions. This is something I constantly remind myself of. Many issues have been discussed for centuries without resolution. In essence, they confuse rather than inspire. Art should also offer solutions, not just raise questions. I prefer to approach society’s myriad voices with stillness—offering contemplation and calm, rather than engaging in endless debate.
上九天
Into Seventh Heaven
Digital photography
EST8: But many struggle to even ask the right questions.
Rui: As influence grows, the questions one raises can mislead younger generations. Many are easily swayed, believing unresolved issues are correct. This traps them. Those who ask questions must be cautious, as they cannot predict their audience. Many are easily led, lacking personal energy.
Artists must recognize that what’s needed is light, positive energy that fosters openness and clarity. Many young people are unaware that everyone has flaws and struggles. Everyone is unique, being true to oneself is enough.
灵影系列
Ethereal Shadow, 1, 2
Digital photography
EST8: The idea that "everyone is unique" is common in Europe, but it can lead to blind confidence, self-promotion, and neglect of social norms. In contrast, East Asia emphasizes conformity. Against this cultural backdrop, how do you perceive the issue of inner peace?
Rui: External expression is shaped by one’s inner nature. Everyone’s upbringing, ideologies, and solutions differ. For most, struggle and peace intertwine. The differences between Eastern and Western cultures lead to distinct collective consciousnesses, and these differences don’t need to be balanced. I believe that, no matter where you are, a person must first focus on their inner world, before exploring the external. Without a stable inner foundation, extremism becomes inevitable. If my work can bring peace to some viewers, then that is a positive influence.
Artists must recognize that what’s needed is light, positive energy that fosters openness and clarity. Many young people are unaware that everyone has flaws and struggles. Everyone is unique, being true to oneself is enough.
灵影系列
Ethereal Shadow, 1, 2
Digital photography
EST8: The idea that "everyone is unique" is common in Europe, but it can lead to blind confidence, self-promotion, and neglect of social norms. In contrast, East Asia emphasizes conformity. Against this cultural backdrop, how do you perceive the issue of inner peace?
Rui: External expression is shaped by one’s inner nature. Everyone’s upbringing, ideologies, and solutions differ. For most, struggle and peace intertwine. The differences between Eastern and Western cultures lead to distinct collective consciousnesses, and these differences don’t need to be balanced. I believe that, no matter where you are, a person must first focus on their inner world, before exploring the external. Without a stable inner foundation, extremism becomes inevitable. If my work can bring peace to some viewers, then that is a positive influence.
寂
Silence
Digital photography
Silence
Digital photography
传音
Transmission of Sound, 1, 2
Digital photography
Transmission of Sound, 1, 2
Digital photography
空性
Voidness
Digital photography
Voidness
Digital photography
CREDITS
Back Drop Photo 1
空性
Voidness
Digital photography
传音
Transmission of Sound
Digital photography
Back Drop Photo 3礼佛系列
Act of Reverence
Digital photography
空性
Voidness
Digital photography
Back Drop Photo 2
Transmission of Sound
Digital photography
Back Drop Photo 3
Act of Reverence
Digital photography
HUA JIA RUI RUI
Freelance photographer, born in Chaozhou, Canton. Currently residing in Shenzhen.
CONTACT: 2312286418@qq.com
Chaozhou, located in Guangdong province, is known for its rich cultural heritage, including unique dialect, traditional arts, and cuisine. The city has a deep-rooted Buddhist culture, with a strong influence of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Local practices like incense offerings, chanting, and meditation are common in its temples and shrines. The blending of Buddhism with folk beliefs creates a distinct spiritual atmosphere that influences both daily life and artistic expressions in Chaozhou.
Osho, born Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain, was an Indian spiritual leader and philosopher. Known for his unconventional teachings, Osho emphasized meditation, mindfulness, and living fully in the present moment. His philosophy blended elements of Eastern mysticism, particularly Zen and Taoism, with Western thought. Osho encouraged personal freedom, inner transformation, and the acceptance of life’s contradictions. His teachings, often provocative and controversial, continue to influence spiritual seekers worldwide.
CONTENT CREATIVE: EST8 MAG