New York, NY – Win or Lose, the multimedia documentary project by New York-based photographer Yizhen Zhang, has officially debuted following its recognition as a Bronze Winner at the prestigious Budapest International Foto Awards. Through compelling storytelling and striking photography, Zhang offers an intimate look at the life of Win, a Chinese immigrant struggling to navigate an unfamiliar world in Flushing’s Chinatown.
Left Image: “Garbage Truck, Garbage Me” Right Image: “Night Wonderland”
Win or Lose captures the stark reality of Win’s life—his isolation, language barriers, and lack of social support—culminating in an unintended entanglement in a money-laundering scheme that has left him under constant surveillance, marked by an electronic ankle bracelet. Zhang’s work goes beyond mere documentation, delving into the emotional turmoil, resilience, and quiet strength that define Win’s existence.
“I wanted to document more than just the facts of his situation,” Zhang explains. “I wanted to capture the emotional landscape—the fear, the hope, the resilience—that so many immigrants experience but rarely get to express.”
Zhang’s photography is known for its ability to freeze transient moments—people in motion, cityscapes bathed in natural light, and the vibrant chaos of urban life. However, Win or Lose marks a deeper departure into immersive storytelling, allowing audiences to see the world through Win’s eyes.
Left Image: “A Moment of Passing Blues” Right Image: “Lost in New York City”
A recurring visual motif throughout the documentary is Win’s ankle bracelet. Zhang’s images make it an ever-present symbol of confinement, serving as a stark reminder of Win’s restricted freedom. Whether he is walking down the street or sitting alone in his dimly lit apartment, the ankle bracelet remains a constant, reinforcing the weight of his circumstances. Zhang’s raw and unfiltered lens brings this struggle into sharp focus, creating a deeply moving narrative that resonates beyond borders.
A unique feature of Win or Lose is the integration of handwritten Chinese text, which provides an unfiltered glimpse into Win’s thoughts and emotions. These delicate characters, written by Win himself, serve as a projection of his internal consciousness, offering viewers a rare window into his mindset.
Image sourced from a two-page spread of the book “Win or Lose,” Chapter 4: “Tattoo,” page opener.
For Win, life in America revolves around his work as a barber—a profession that offers him financial stability but little in terms of deeper fulfillment. Faith provides a temporary refuge, but it is through his tattoos that he finds a true sense of meaning. Each tattoo represents a part of his identity, his hopes, and his fears, becoming a visual narrative etched into his skin. Zhang captures these details with precision, allowing audiences to witness Win’s search for purpose amid adversity.
In Win or Lose, Zhang’s masterful use of angles, lighting, and composition creates an atmosphere of raw intimacy. The unpolished and authentic quality of the photographs mirrors the emotional depth and vulnerability of his subject. Scenes from Win’s daily routine—his early-morning subway rides, the quiet solitude of his apartment after curfew, and moments of connection with customers in the barbershop—paint a poignant picture of an immigrant’s daily struggles.
Left Image: “30 Haircuts A Day” Right Image: “Inked Neon”
Yizhan Zhang’s work stands out for its ability to capture the intricate realities of immigrant life with profound sensitivity. Win or Lose is a testament to his dedication to visual storytelling, creating a body of work that is both poignant and visceral.
The documentary book’s recognition at the Budapest International Foto Awards is a testament to its impact, and it is poised to garner further accolades in the global photography community. With Win or Lose, Zhang cements his position as a compelling storyteller, shedding light on untold narratives through the power of photography.