Zhang Huan is a Chinese artist based in Shanghai and New York, well-known for his provocative performances. His art includes photography and sculptures as well, with monumental pieces made of copper and pictures drawn with incence ashes from Buddhist temples.
His performance pieces are mostly inspired by subjects like the human body, Buddhism, animal instincts and earth with a masochistic touch, often rising the question "is this art?" Huan is the main figure in all his perfomances, always naked, under strange conditions, covered by insects or earthworms, or even lying on ice, using body painting as a way of expression and teaming with other perfomers to create impressive human installations.
One of his favourite themes in sculpture and photography is Buddhism,creating huge hands and feet based on broken fragments of Buddha statues he found in Tibet. Naked human bodies are also seen often in his works.
Huan's work has been featured in several solo and group exhibitions in major cities and great galleries around the world.
Have a look at this interesting video with Zhang Huan talking about his awsome art:
www.zhanghuan.com
