Zhang Hui was born in 1969 in Yinchuan. She graduated from the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts in 1993 and lives in Beijing. In her recent series of paintings, Zhang Hui has created her own unique characters, which she calls “Beijing Wawa” or “Beijing Baby.” They signify clichéd young girls searching for identity within a society driven by the commodification of culture. Their identity ceases to be personalized and they are reduced to mere reflections of impossible ideals. Jaded or indifferent gazes are plastered on their faces while their bodies are young and over- sexualized. The violence of this transformation is further made apparent with scars or props such as guns, swords, and eye patches. People often describe childhoods lost under Mao, but Zhang Hui is looking at a new loss of innocence stolen not by political control, but rather by new policies fueled by money and commercialization.

Solo Exhibitions
2008
Zhang Hui, Primo Marella Gallery, Milan, Italy
2008
Zhang Hui: Beijing Wawa, Eli Klein Fine Art, New York, NY
2007
In our opinion, Willem Kerseboom Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2006
Beijing Wawa, Gong Gallery, Beijing, China
2006
Old Photo, Gallery Beijing Space, Beijing, China

Group Exhibitions
2008
Deutsche Bank, New York, NY
2008
The Rising of the Cartoon Generation in China, ArtChina Gallery, Hamburg, Germany
2007
China Now: Lost in Transition, Eli Klein Fine Art, New York, NY
2007
Asian Contemporary Art Fair, New York, NY
2007
ARIE FIERA International Art Fair, Bologna, Italy
2007
Group show, Marella Gallery, Milan, Italy
2007
SCOPE Art Fair, New York, Miami and Basel
2007
39° 55' N 166° 25' E Beijing, Archeus, London, England
2007
ART AMSTERDAM 2007: the contemporary art showcase
2006
Artissima Art Fair, Turin, Italy
2006
A Ticket Beijing, Willem Kerseboom Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2006
Red T Opening Exhibition, 798 Red T Art Space, Beijing, China
2006
The Time Space Exhibition, 798 Art Space, Beijing, China
2004
Sentimental Appeals, Three Quarter Art Gallery, Beijing, China
2003
Collection of 1st Works of Artists--Youth Exhibition, Today Art Gallery, Beijing, China
2002
Pingyao International Photography Festival, China
2002
Changchun Annual Invitational Exhibition--Bridge, Yuandong Museum, Changchun, China