Zhang Huan

(An Yang, China, 1965)

Conceptual artist, his work is based on performance and this is documented with photographs and videos. His work combines a complex spirituality that combines criticism of the policies of the Chinese regime (the reason for his forced emigration to the United States in 1998), with a complicated reflection on the body and its use as a means of artistic expression. In his actions he poses resistance to physical pain. For Pilgrimage – Wind and Water in New York (1998), the artist lay naked on a bed of ice surrounded by dogs in the courtyard of MoMa PS1. For the performance My New York (2002), presented at the Whitney Biennial, the artist donned a suit made of raw meat molded into oversized muscles. Performances and solo exhibitions of Zhang's work have been held at The Power Plant Gallery of Contemporary Art in Toronto (2001), the Nikolaj Copenhagen Center for Contemporary Art (2003), Asia Society, New York (2007) and the Art Gallery of Vancouver (2008). His work has also been included in major group exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale (1999), the Lyon Biennale (2000), and the Whitney Biennial (2002).