“The Unrepeatable Moment” as the Foundation of Mavis CW’s Photography Philosophy
Mavis CW, a UK-based photographic artist, grew up immersed in the arts. During her scientific studies at Imperial College London, she unexpectedly discovered her passion for photography. Initially focusing on still life and architectural photography, Mavis was profoundly inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson’s The Decisive Moment, which led her to embrace street photography.
“Black and white photography is a language that strips away distractions, bringing the focus back to light, shadow, and composition, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the story within the image.” －－ Mavis CW.
In her work, the streets are not just a creative space but also a window into human emotions and societal transformations.
The exhibition, Somewhere Between Living and Dreaming, is currently on show at the Leica Store Taipei. This showcase features 24 black-and-white street photography works set in New York, capturing the city’s rhythm and the interplay of light and humanity.
Marvis CW
午休時間，2018
Photography is an art; the street is my canvas, and the camera is my brush.
Street photography is filled with spontaneity and unpredictability—each moment is unique and impossible to replicate. This approach not only captures genuine emotions and social realities, but also carries a strong documentary significance, while sharpening my awareness and perception of my surroundings.
Sometimes, an image can only come to life under specific lighting or environmental conditions. The slanting rays of the evening sun, silhouettes under neon lights, a fleeting beam of light at a street corner, or an unexpected downpour—when these elements merge with the people and atmosphere of a scene, they create the perfect moment to press the shutter. －－ Mavis CW
Marvis CW
美元紙鈔，2019
Black and white photography is often more than just a stylistic choice; it is a way of seeing the world
The exhibition primarily features black and white photography, continuing Mavis’ signature artistic style. She believes that by stripping away the distractions of color, viewers can focus more on the emotions and stories within the images, experiencing the tension and depth through the interplay of light and shadow.
"A truly powerful image is not about technical perfection but its ability to convey emotions, tell a story, and resonate with the viewer."
Mavis also emphasizes the importance of capturing the decisive moment—whether it’s a subtle glance, a fleeting gesture, or the unexpected drama unfolding on the streets. Each photograph encapsulates a moment frozen in time, rich with emotion and meaning.
Marvis CW
電話亭，2019
New York — A City Full of Stories
Titled Somewhere Between Living and Dreaming, this exhibition draws inspiration from the phrase: “Somewhere between living and dreaming, there’s New York.”
"New York is a city of contrasts—where reality and dreams intertwine, where noise and solitude coexist. Every street corner holds countless untold stories. Through black-and-white imagery, I hope to capture the city's unique charm and allow viewers to find echoes of their own experiences within the photographs," Mavis shares.
New York has inspired countless iconic works, and its most distinctive allure lies in the interplay of light and shadow, as well as its dynamic rhythm. The city’s rich visual elements transform it into a constantly moving stage, where traces of history and modernity unfold in rapid succession.
In the exhibition piece Phone Booth 2019, a struggling man inside a phone booth is juxtaposed against a glamorous Hollywood billboard, creating a stark contrast between reality and illusion. However, since 2022, phone booths have officially disappeared from New York’s streets, making this scene a piece of history—a moment in time that Mavis finds particularly unforgettable in her series.
The Leica Camera — Not Only My Trusted Companion but Also a Bridge That Opens Conversations
Mavis’ connection with Leica cameras began in her childhood. Her mother owned a classic Leica, capturing countless cherished family memories. When Mavis decided to fully dedicate herself to photography, her mother gifted her the first Leica camera of her life — the Leica M6. This inheritance was more than just a transfer of photographic knowledge; it symbolized a deep passion and dedication to the art of imagery.
While photographing the streets of New York with her Leica M6, Mavis serendipitously encountered a legendary local street photographer. Their conversation sparked instantly over their shared choice of camera, leading them to take portraits of each other. Five years later, they crossed paths once again on a New York street corner. Using their first portraits as an icebreaker, they captured new images of one another—a meaningful encounter made possible through their Leica connection.
"The minimalist design and timeless craftsmanship of Leica cameras allow me to focus entirely on the essence of an image while creating," Mavis shares.
Her go-to cameras—the Leica M6 and M7—paired with the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH and Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lenses, enable her to move discreetly through city streets, capturing the most authentic and unguarded moments without disrupting her subjects.
Instagram - Mavis CW
Leica Gallery Taipei
No. 3, Ln. 6, Qingtian Street
Taipei,
Taiwan