Introduction

Yang Fudong was born in Beijing in 1971 and now lives and works in Shanghai. He graduated from the Department of Oil Painting, China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. Yang is among the most important Chinese artists today. He started by creating video works in the late 1990s before working on a wide range of mediums, including photographs, paintings, films, and installations. His works explore the structures and forms of identities in myths, personal memories, and life experiences while providing a unique visual interpretation of the subject from multiple cultural perspectives that transcend time and space.

Yang has participated in prestigious international art exhibitions, including Thailand Biennale, Korat (2021); Suzhou Museum (2019); Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (2017); Foundation Louis Vuitton, Paris (2016); The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2013); Tate Liverpool (2007); Tate Modern (2004); and Centre Pompidou (2003). His works are also included in the Thailand Biennale (2021); La Biennale de Lyon (2013); the Sharjah Biennial 11 (2013); the 17th Biennale of Sydney (2010); the 52nd International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale (2007); The 5th Asia Pacific Triennial (2006); the Liverpool Biennial (2004); the 50th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale (2003); Documenta11 (2002); the 4th Shanghai Biennale (2002); and the 7th International Istanbul Biennial (2001).

Yang’s solo exhibitions are widely held at the most acclaimed institutions and galleries, including M+ Facade Film “Sparrow on the Sea”, Hong Kong (2024); North Hill, Art Basel, Switzerland (2023); Endless Peaks, ShanghART, Shanghai (2020); Dawn Breaking, Long Museum (West Bund), Shanghai (2018); Moving Mountains, Shanghai Center of Photography, Shanghai (2016); Twin Tracks: Yang Fudong Solo Exhibition, Yuz Museum, Shanghai (2015); The Light That I Feel, SALT outdoor video installation, Sandhornoya, Norway (2014); Yang Fudong: Estranged Paradise, Works 1993–2013, The Kunsthalle Zürich, Switzerland (2013); Quote Out of Context, OCT Contemporary Art Terminal, Shanghai (2012); Yang Fudong: One half of August, Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art, London, U.K. (2011); Yang Fudong: Seven Intellectuals in a Bamboo Forest and Other Stories, National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens, Greece (2010); Dawn Mist, Separation Faith, Zendai Museum of Modern Art, Shanghai (2009); Yang Fudong: the General’s Smile, Hara Museum, Tokyo, Japan (2008); Yang Fudong: Don’t worry, it will be better..., Kunsthalle Wien, Austria (2005); Yang Fudong, Castello di Rivoli Museo d’arte Contemporanea, Torino, Italy (2005); and Yang Fudong: 5 Films, The Renaissance Society, Chicago, U.S.A (2004).