New York City, NY – The documentary Win or Lose successfully debuted under the direction of artist and photographer Yizhen Zhang, offering a deeply personal exploration of themes such as identity, perseverance, and adaptation. Zhang’s work is distinguished by its dedication to capturing the intricate realities of a young Chinese immigrant, resulting in a body of work that is both poignant and visceral. The compelling narrative of Win or Lose has earned recognition through more than ten international photography awards globally.
Figure 1: Left: New Wash | Right: Garbage Truck, Garbage Me (From the documentary photography project Win or Lose, 2024, by Yizhen Zhang)
Win or Lose tells the story of Win, a Chinese immigrant who arrived in New York City at the age of 15. The series captures his life within the confines of Flushing’s Chinatown, where he navigates daily challenges, including language barriers and limited social support. The project highlights his journey and the circumstances that have led him to a closely monitored existence marked by an ankle bracelet.
While his life is shaped by personal sacrifices and challenges, Zhang explores the question of whether the pursuit of a U.S. identity, symbolized by a simple plastic green card, has been worthwhile. Win’s life moves between poker games at home and the razor at the barbershop, seemingly suspended in uncertainty. Yet, in his decade-long journey, Win has both gained and lost. Ultimately, the question remains: is it a win or a loss?
Zhang’s portfolio reflects his versatility as a visual artist. His photography captures fleeting moments—strangers in motion, cityscapes bathed in natural light, and the vibrant chaos of urban life. In contrast, his documentary work dives deeper into storytelling.
Figure 2: Left: Video still from Win or Lose (unpublished documentary) | Right: Book mockup of Win or Lose (From the documentary project Win or Lose, 2024, by Yizhen Zhang)
Zhang’s decision to focus on this individual’s journey is intentional. “I wanted to document more than just the facts of his situation,” he explains. “I wanted to capture the emotional landscape — the fear, the hope, the resilience — that so many immigrants experience but rarely get to express.”
A standout feature of Win or Lose is Zhang’s use of handwritten Chinese text, offering an unfiltered glimpse into his thoughts and emotions. One note reads:
“I don’t know when it started, but I hope all of my tattoos are full of meaning.”
The handwritten text, rendered in delicate Chinese characters, acts as a projection of Win’s inner consciousness. In his challenging existence, where survival revolves around his work as a barber, the profession itself offers him little sense of deeper meaning. Faith serves as only a temporary refuge for him—a fleeting sanctuary in a turbulent world. Instead, it is in his tattoos that Win seeks something truly meaningful—a canvas for his hopes, fears, and identity. This unique perspective in Zhang’s storytelling allows us to peer into the heart of Win, revealing his poignant struggle to find purpose.
Zhang captures Win with his ankle bracelet in several striking photos, making it a constant presence throughout the series. The ankle bracelet becomes a powerful symbol of Win’s limited freedom. Whether he’s walking down the street or sitting alone, the electronic ankle bracelet is always there, reminding us of the restrictions on his life. Zhang’s raw and honest shots bring this reality to the forefront.
Figure 3: Left: A Moment of Passing Blues | Right: BACK and FORTH (From the documentary photography project Win or Lose, 2024, by Yizhen Zhang)
Other images capture the fleeting moments of his daily life: the early-morning subway ride as he begins his 12-hour window of movement, the quiet solitude of his apartment after curfew, and the moments of connection he shares with his customers in the barbershop.
Zhang’s use of angles and lighting in Win or Lose creates a raw, intimate atmosphere that draws viewers deeply into Win’s world. The unpolished and authentic quality of the photographs mirrors Win’s emotional depth and vulnerability. Zhang does not aim to critique or pass judgment but rather presents an impartial yet deeply empathetic documentary of Win’s experiences in the United States. The title itself carries a clever dual meaning — Win is not only the protagonist’s name but also a symbolic nod to the central struggle of his life: is it a win or a loss?
Media ContactCompany Name: yizhen zhangEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.yizhenzhang.art/
