LIFTED*

This zine is all about capturing the energy and spirit of NYC’s Asian live music scene. using a mix of digital and analog techniques, digital portraits of musicians will be transformed into Polaroid emulsion lifts—creating a textured, dreamlike effect that mirrors the electric yet intimate nature of these livehouse sets. The final result will be a collection of 20 unique, handcrafted images that visually tell the story of this thriving community.

This project aims to spotlight their artistry, challenge stereotypes, and build a visual archive of a scene that’s constantly evolving. It’s about preserving artists’ impact in a way that feels personal and real.

The process starts with capturing digital images of live performances across NYC. These shots will then be printed as Polaroids and put through the emulsion lift process (a technique that transfers the fragile film layer of the Polaroid onto a new surface, creating an organic, textured look). Since the emulsion lift process is highly intuitive and unpredictable, each piece will have its own unique distortions and imperfections, mirroring the raw, unfiltered energy of live music. After drying, each piece will be scanned and arranged into a zine that feels as dynamic and raw as the music itself.

The goal isn’t just about capturing music photography, but the community, creativity, and to still a movement that’s happening right now. Through Polaroid emulsion lifts, the zine will preserve fleeting moments from NYC’s Asian music scene in a way that feels raw, emotional, and deeply personal. Each image is more than just a photo—it’s a piece of history.