The Incredible Artistry of Capturing Couple Selfies in Unbelievable Ways

Pixy Liao's photographs capture intimate moments between her and her boyfriend Moro. In one image, they playfully wrestle in a hotel room, while in another, Pixy lifts Moro's naked body over her shoulder, evoking the notion of a fireman rescuing someone. These thought-provoking images are part of Pixy's ongoing project called "Experimental Relationship," which was first featured by CNN in 2019. The project, initiated in 2007, delves into the complexities and dynamics of being in a long-term relationship.

When I encounter Liao, she and Moro are perched in the picturesque window arches at La Residencia hotel, gazing out at the breathtaking countryside of Mallorca, the Spanish island. Skillfully directing the camera, Liao captures various poses of the two of them - standing, sitting, pointing, even holding a mirror. Meanwhile, a nearby couple basks in the sunlight, capturing smartphone selfies and stealing kisses. In this art-infused mountain town of Deià, Liao is undergoing a two-month residency, immersing herself in "Experimental Relationship." Naturally, Moro accompanies her on this journey.

The couple continuing their work in the hillside town of Deia in Mallorca.

Pixy Liao

Liao encountered Moro, who was five years her junior, while they were both attending the University of Memphis in Tennessee, where she was studying photography. Taking pictures of him became a means for her to delve into the kind of relationship she desired and to understand her own sense of self. "Growing up in China, I never had any female role models that I aspired to be," she expressed while seated in her temporary studio at the hotel. "It always felt like being the second best or playing a supporting role, and I never understood why it had to be that way."

A portrait of life on the Faroe Islands: A chilly, isolated place with few women.

Liao demonstrates expertise in seamlessly blending the mundane with the sensual, while delving into the intricate dynamics of power when individuals engage in physical and emotional intimacy. In earlier photographs, Liao assumes a dominant role, employing the female perspective and exerting control over Moro. One particular image ("Start your day with a good breakfast together," 2009) features Liao consuming breakfast off Moro's exposed body, gazing confidently at the camera, while he reclines uncomfortably on the kitchen table.

Liao says it's hard for the couple to work together on the project when they are fighting.

Pixy Liao

As her relationship with Moro developed, so did the project. The playful and cheeky eroticism still remains, but in recent photographs, Moro takes on a more active role both in and out of the picture. Liao explained that Moro is heavily involved in the creative process and sometimes even understands her vision before she does. He often operates the remote cable release control to capture the photographs. Liao stated that this is a way of sharing power with Moro. The art of Sharon Stone is known for its compelling power.

Does the project create any tension in their relationship? According to Liao, she doesn't believe so. However, she did mention that it becomes challenging to work on the project when they are arguing. "He is unwilling to collaborate with me," she remarked. Additionally, she laughed while acknowledging that maintaining a good relationship with him is her primary goal in life.

Moro as sushi. "Fun is the most important thing," says Liao about making the series.

Pixy Liao

Liao believes that the key elements of "Experimental Relationship" are the concepts and the settings. The concepts, ranging from transforming a naked Moro into human sushi to engaging in loud arguments and even playfully peeping through our legs, are immersed in a fantasy-like realm. "It's not exactly who we are, but rather an alternate version of ourselves in a parallel universe that shares some similarity, but perhaps involves actions we would never realistically take part in," she explained. "It's akin to participating in a role-playing game."

In addition, the settings play a crucial role in evoking a particular atmosphere in the photographs. Liao seeks out locations that exude a sense that "stories can unfold there." We frequently witness the couple within ordinary home interiors, be it a bare and mundane house or a sleek loft in New York City. However, the series also transports us to unexpected and captivating settings such as a rustic Japanese hotel or a serene forest in Woodstock, New York.

The pair say that as their relationship has changed over the years, so has their work.

Liao has been searching for unconventional elements in Deià, avoiding overly picturesque locations. She enjoys discovering peculiarities, such as a twisted olive tree trunk with holes that she and Moro could stick their faces through. Infusing her work with a playful spirit, Liao prioritizes fun and entertainment for herself above all else.

Upon completing her residency at the end of October, the final installment of a three-part series this summer for the hotel, which also showcased works by Anastasiia Podervianska and Sislej Xhafa, Liao will return to her home in Brooklyn with Moro. The artwork she produces will be exhibited at the hotel when it reopens for the 2024 season in March. As for the future of the "Experimental Relationship" project, is there a planned conclusion? "As long as we're together, I definitely want to continue," she replied, smiling. With that, she ventures into the picturesque landscape for another photoshoot with Moro, bringing their fantasies to life.