Zhang Huan

One of the most important and innovative artists in contemporary China, Zhang Huan (b. 1965) brought the burgeoning Chinese art scene to international attention in the 1990s with a series of taboo-breaking performances. His artwork continues to explore the tragedies of the human condition and the spiritual essence of Buddhism in a range of media that includes photography, painting and monumental sculpture. Zhang´s work has been exhibited in the world´s most prestigious museums and international exhibitions, including the 1999 Venice Biennale, the 2001 Yokohama Triennial and the 2002 Whitney Biennial. This monograph is the first complete analysis of the artist´s entire career, from his beginnings in the communal art scene of Beijing´s East Village to his breakthrough in New York and his return to Shanghai, where he now runs a studio with over 40 assistants.