Bio
Zhang Huan is an influential contemporary Chinese artist, born on January 2, 1965, in Anyang, Henan, China. He is known for his versatile and often provocative artistic practice, which encompasses a wide range of media including performance art, installations, paintings, sculptures, and photography.
In the early 1990s, Zhang Huan emerged as one of the leading pioneers of Chinese performance art. His performances were often physically demanding and explored themes such as religion, spirituality, identity, and the relationship between body and mind. His most well-known early works include using his own body as a canvas, covering himself with oil and meat, and then setting himself on fire as a powerful artistic expression.
Later in his career, Zhang Huan began working on large-scale installations and sculptures, often inspired by his own spiritual journeys and experiences. His work often reflects the complex and rapidly changing social and political landscapes of China, as well as universal themes of human suffering, hope, and redemption.
Zhang Huan’s work has been exhibited worldwide in renowned museums and galleries, and he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to contemporary art. He remains an influential figure in the international art world, continuing to explore and challenge the boundaries of artistic expression.