Zhang Huan

Zhang Huan is a Chinese contemporary performance artist, sculptor and painter. Shortly after graduating from the China's Central Academy of Fine Art with a Master's Degree, Zhang Huan joined a small, artistic colony, which acted out performance art on the outskirts of Beijing. The type of performances Huan and his cronies put on involved masochistic, sometimes lewd motions, which got Zhang Huan in trouble with Chinese authorities. Undeterred, Zhang Huan continued to conduct performance art and eventually branched out into sculpture. His creations also focused on the body, but often featured the likeness of the Buddha. Some of Huan’s better-known sculptures include "Three Heads Six Arms," "Long Ear Ash Head" and "Sydney Buddha." Zhang Huan’s performance enactments typically have hidden messages centering on themes, such as challenging oppression, censorship and the dangers of undermining faith in communities. Huan's exhibitions have been featured in the United States, Europe and Asia. Zhang Huan was bestowed China's Robb Yearly Artist Award in 2010and France's Legion of Honor Award in 2014. (Artist website)