International
Xing Danwen (China)
Born in Xi'an, China, with a BFA from Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China (1989-1992) and from MFA at School of Visual Arts, New York, USA (1998-2001). She is now lives and works in Beijing.
With painting background, Xing Danwen was self-taught in photography. In late 80s and 90s in China, she was the one of a few artists that was exploring the boundaries of photography and using photography as an art form. Through cameras, she observed and challenged the questions on the Chinese society, humanity, female identity and the generation that was born 60s.
Her current art practice is also in the field of mixed media, video and multi-media installations. Her subjects include: Dislocation between cultural status (Sleep Walking), conflicts between globalization and traditions (Duplication), problematic environmental issues created by the development (disCONNEXTION), the urban drama between the desire and reality (Urban Fiction). Fiction, truth and illusion often play an important role in her works.
Xing Danwen exhibits domestically and internationally, including Whitney Museum of American Art, Pompidou Center, International center for Photography, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1st Yokohama Triennale and Sydney Biennale 2004, etc. Her works are also collected widely by museums and privates, including Whitney Museum, Pompidou, ICP, SF MoMA, FNAC, the Progressive, Groupe Lhoist, etc.
