Jiayuan Yu

Course reflection 

One of the most valuable experiences for me during the MA Photography Practice programme was learning to understand photography as a medium from a contemporary perspective. 

The tutors consistently encouraged us to push the boundaries of visual expression and explore the creative potential of new imaging technologies. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on, practice-based courses—especially those on moving image and darkroom techniques.

Additionally, the visual culture theory course helped me develop a more critical way of thinking, which has been incredibly beneficial for my artistic development. The programme has deepened my focus on conceptual depth in my photographic practice. 

Project description – Ghost Work 

Ghost Work explores the hidden labour force behind artificial intelligence systems. In our pursuit of full automation, a new class of digital workers has emerged—assigned repetitive, low-paid tasks by algorithms, often via crowdsourcing platforms.

These “ghost workers” remain invisible to the public eye, yet are fundamental to the operation of intelligent systems. Through research and AI-generated imagery, this project constructs fictional team photos, workspaces, and ID portraits that reflect the erasure of individuality and visibility in the age of algorithmic labour.

Inspired by Hito Steyerl’s How Not to Be Seen, the work critiques the ethics of visibility, automation, and marginalised human labour in a technocratic society. 

Artist bio 

Jiayuan Yu, born in Harbin, China in 1996, currently lives and works in Shanghai. She holds an MA in Photography and Electronic Arts (Distinction) from Goldsmiths, University of London. Her practice spans photography, moving image, installation, and digital media, focusing on themes of self-awareness in a mobile society and the influence of local environments on identity. Her work explores the delicate and complex relationship between people and their surroundings. 

She is currently interested in the field of technology-based art, particularly the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary life. With a critical lens, she investigates the boundaries of machine-generated imagery and reflects on its social and human implications. 

Her work has been featured in the ZHCPP China Contemporary Photography Promotion Project and the 1839 Photography Award, and exhibited at Lishui Photography Festival, Seoul International Photography Festival, Artsect Gallery London, AMP Gallery London, Yue Art Museum Beijing, and Forward Art Museum Changsha. Her works have appeared in Al-Tiba9 Magazine, BROAD Magazine, Golddust, and Smiths Magazine, including a cover feature in Al-Tiba9 Magazine ISSUE14.