An iconoclast's power

A photo titledStar of the Ocean by Fu Han.[Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

The ongoing exhibition at UCCA continues through May 30.

"I started my passion for photography from taking pictures of myself. Then I realized that photography is not just about documenting everyday life but also about self-expression," Fu says.

In her photos, Fu started focusing on her friends, including the band members, audiences, and the places she traveled.

Among the images displayed is a girl in blue tight skirt and a rooster-shape headgear looking into the mirror. The photo, titled Mysteries, was taken in 2013 by Fu when she was in New York taking in a Halloween party.

Another photo, of a skinny girl sitting on a motorbike, captures a high school classmate of Fu.

"She is the coolest person I have ever seen. She rode that motorbike from Beijing to Lhasa to be a volunteer teacher. She also traveled to Inner Mongolia to live on the grassland alone for a year," says Fu. "She has no desire for material things. She enjoys the freedom and lives her life at her own pace."

"It seems to be a luxury to be oneself and stay true to oneself," Fu adds. "She is my idol."

The interview was constantly interrupted by fans, who wanted pictures, autographs and chats.