Josephine Meng On Her Versatile Work as An Artist And Photographer

by Tom White

Josephine Meng isn’t just a photographer; she’s a multifaceted artist and creative whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional photography. Her journey as a creative embraces diverse artistic mediums and shows her keen eye for detail and narrative. Meng’s versatile approach, across various creative disciplines, showcases her unique artistic vision, and the inspirations behind her compelling imagery.
Meng first moved to Berlin when she was 17 years old and started to pursue modeling. Her modelling work spanned runway shows to print, being featured at Paris Fashion Week and within some of the most notable publications in the industry. She then learned that her skillset was best employed as a photographer and creative director, especially within the fashion industry. “I always enjoyed being behind the camera more than in front ever since I was a teenager,” she notes.
She has photographed and created imagery and content for Valentino, Maison Margiela and Yves Saint Laurent, where she worked with renowned YouTube influencer Emma Chamberlain and fashion influencer Devon Lee Carlson, both during Paris Fashion Week in 2023. Over the past year, she went on tour with musician Jesse Jo Stark on her Asia tour. This is where Meng and Stark formed a close relationship and have worked together on several in London ever since. For example, Meng’s most recent projects with Stark include directing a music video for her latest single, I’m Yours. Over the past year, she went on tour with musician Jesse Jo Stark on her Asia tour. This is where Meng and Stark formed a close relationship and have worked together on several projects ever since. Their most recent projects include directing a music video for her latest single, I’m Yours which has amassed wide acclaim from fans and critics alike.

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Meng also recently shot a fashion campaign for Chrome Hearts, a luxury fashion brand from Hollywood, as well as several campaigns for Stark’s fashion brand, Deadly Doll. The look of her work is grainy, retro, romantic and feminine. Take her portraits of Devon Lee Carlson for Yves Saint Laurent in Paris, 2023. The photo series is intimate, sharp and warm, with an overcast pink hue. Or look at her work of Jesse Jo Stark, who she has photographed in various locations across the globe, from atop a mountain on Mulholland Drive, to with a parked car in front of a Hollywood home.

Meng uses elements of fashion details, like zooming in on high heels, a garment, a zipper or a manicure, as an integral element to tell a story. As a result, Meng’s career isn’t confined to the traditional role of a photographer. She seamlessly integrates photography with other artistic mediums, like the models she chooses, their makeup and hair, the fashion in each shot, creating a rich tapestry of visual storytelling. Her work often incorporates elements of design, sculpture, and even performance art, demonstrating a deep understanding of how different forms can amplify the impact of her message.

Her symphony of visuals is marked by an influence of a bygone era. She incorporates the influence of Old Hollywood and vintage films into her photography. “The sensibility in old movies, because it was a different time, they make me think and experience things outside my own experience,” she said.

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As Meng explains, she doesn’t necessarily want to revisit the past through her work. “I am deeply nostalgic and I do have a deep sense of longing for it, though,” she said. “There’s something in the way people once seemed more open, more present, and I miss that warmth. The present often feels distant and cold to me, so I find myself trying to weave something that, though not quite real, somehow brings back a sense of what I believe was once warm. It may be a bit of a daydream, but I don’t mind indulging in it if it brings me a sense of peace.”
A significant aspect of Meng’s artistry lies in her ability to transform everyday objects and scenarios into captivating artwork. For Stark’s latest music video, I’m Yours, Meng co-directed the music video alongside Stark and Rayce Aaronson, though she was co-creative director with Stark on the music video.

“We started collaborating on the music video in London this past summer,” said Meng. “Jesse Jo played me the song, I’m Yours, and I wanted to get a hotel room to shoot the artwork for the single instantly. I started collecting ideas, then and there. A few days later, I shot it there.” The music video didn’t start with a narrative. “It was more of an aesthetic that we were sticking with,” said Meng. “And then the pieces fell into place and a story began to emerge.” The music video was shot in various places including an old motel, a diner and out in the wilderness with the cascading landscape.

Meng first met Stark in Tokyo, when she was photographing her tour. “It is rare to find someone who not only shares your vision but also trusts you enough to step beyond the familiar. I believe we found that in each other.” Meng carries a camera around with her everywhere she goes. “No moment appears twice and you can never, ever recreate one,” she said. “And I wouldn’t want to.”

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Her modeling experience helps inform her photography work. Meng recently modeled for the esteemed Parisian magazine Purple’s Magic Issue for a shoot called “Daughter of Sunset,” shot by Neva Wireke, has modeled for the Chrome Hearts brand and walked down the runway for Hodakova during Paris Fashion Week. She embodies the female gaze in her photo work. “The female gaze in fashion photography allows for the portrayal of women as active participants in their own narratives,” said Meng. “I never ever think about my gender until it’s brought up to me as a defining characteristic.” Meng’s own Instagram account showcases behind-the-scenes looks at her creative process, her inspiration, her relationships in the fashion community and self-portraits. “I created self portraits when I realized the world around me couldn’t always mirror the vision I had,” said Meng. “It’s not about being told what to do, but about finding a connection that goes beyond instruction. I know what I want and I can get it.” In her portrait photography, Meng tries to capture authenticity in her subjects. “With every photo I take, I want the viewer to feel like the moment is still moving and to imagine a story unfolding,” she said. “I think that’s why I prefer the word ‘still’ over ‘photo’ because a still is a glimpse into a moment of a larger narrative.

As Meng explains, “the story may be different for everyone who looks at it, but I want my work to be more than just ‘silent’ images. I want the viewer to continue the story in their head.” Her impact and influence is steadily growing since her early days as a photographer, which got the attention of Refinery29 in 2017. Meng’s work has garnered significant attention, both from within the art community and the wider public. Her unique approach to photography, her ability to weave narratives, and her exploration of diverse artistic mediums have made her a compelling voice in contemporary art, and she is an important part of the ever-evolving landscape of visual storytelling.

Her influence can also be seen in the work of emerging artists. Meng’s willingness to experiment with different approaches and her emphasis on storytelling serves as a valuable example for aspiring creatives, encouraging them to break free from conventions and explore their own unique artistic visions. Meng continues to stand out as a versatile artist and creative whose work defies categorization.
Her ability to seamlessly integrate photography with video and fashion is unlike any other, and she has a keen eye for narrative.

Her work is not just about capturing images; it’s about creating experiences, prompting reflection, and inspiring a deeper understanding of the world around us. Next up, she is creative directing projects with Stark, which will be shot in 2025. Meng also has a photo book of unpublished works. “All I want to do with my friends or people I’m musing on—we dress up and I create a narrative in my head and then we have fun with it,” she said. “It will come out eventually. No pressure, haha.”

With her innovative vision, unwavering dedication, and a growing portfolio of impactful work, Meng has firmly established herself as a prominent force in the fashion photography and creative direction industries and is on track for even greater success in the years to come.

Follow Josephine Meng on Instagram @msjosephin.

Presented by: APG

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