William Yang

Image: William Yang

William Yang is one of Australia’s greatest storytellers. A prolific photographer, and performer of monologues with slide projections, his stories describe the experience of coming to terms with his identity as a gay Chinese Australian. His work presents a rich and celebratory visual record of this journey, from the world of sexual expression during the emergence of Sydney’s gay community to his personal Chinese heritage and family relationships. Often inscribed with a handwritten commentary or anecdote, a hallmark of Yang’s works, his visual stories are infused with a gently wry tone, mixing self-deprecating humour with insightful reflections on cultural identity. His work has won numerous awards and accolades, and is held in the collections of Wollongong City Council, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, National Portrait Gallery, Queensland Art Gallery, State Library of New South Wales and National Library of Australia.