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Introduction
Hu Xiangcheng, a pioneer of China contemporary art, has dedicated his life to delving into and pushing the boundaries of art. Born in Shanghai in 1950, Hu graduated from the Shanghai Theater Academy (STA) in 1976. His academic journey continued as he shared his knowledge with students at his former school and Tibet University. In the mid-1980s, Hu set his sights on Japan to further his artistic studies and pursuits. After earning his qualifications in 1991, he embarked on a global odyssey, traversing Africa, Europe, and the Americas to deepen his artistic research. Upon his return to China in 2000, he shifted his focus to rural revitalization efforts in the Jiangnan region. By 2012, he had fully recommitted himself to artmaking. Hu Xiangcheng’s oeuvre is a tapestry woven from the rich threads of his multifaceted experiences, reflecting a profound exploration of diverse cultures and identities. His work is characterized by its enigmatic and evocative imagery, which serves as both the signature and the driving force of his art.