Cao Fei

Cao Fei (b. 1978, Guangzhou) is a Chinese artist based in Beijing. She is one of the most significant and innovative young artists to have emerged on the international scene from China. Her multimedia projects explore the lost dreams of the young Chinese generation and their strategies for overcoming and escaping reality. She mixes social commentary, popular aesthetics, references to Surrealism, and documentary conventions in her films and installations. Her works reflect on the rapid and chaotic changes that are occurring in Chinese society today. Cao Fei’s recent solo exhibition Splendid River took place at Secession Museum, Vienna, Austria. Cao Fei’s recent work La Town (2014) was on display at 56th Venice Biennale: All the World’s Futures. Her online project RMB City (2007-2011) has been exhibited in Deutsche Guggenheim (2010); Shiseido Gallery, Tokyo, Japan (2009); Serpentine Gallery, London (2008); and Yokohama Triennale (2008). Cao Fei’s previous works had participated in a number of international biennales including 15th & 17th Biennale of Sydney (2006 & 2010), Moscow Biennale (2005), Shanghai Biennale (2004), Istanbul Biennale (2007) and 50th & 52nd Venice Biennale (2003 & 2007). She also exhibited video works in Tate Modern (London), Guggenheim Museum, the International Center of Photography, MoMA, MoMA P.S.1 (New York), Centre Pompidou and Palais de Tokyo (Paris). Cao Fei was a nominee for the Future Generation Art Prize 2010 and the finalist of Hugo Boss Prize 2010. She received the 2006 Best Young Artist Award by Chinese Contemporary Art Award (CCAA).