Sunjin Galleries is pleased to unveil a rare collection of unique woodcut prints by celebrated Chinese political artist, Han Tao. Through different fields and ways of expression, experimenting with film, painting, performance, installation, switching between roles of artist and curator, the content and style of Han Tao’s works are often graphic and striking, fearless of censure.

“Here They Come” depicts renditions of two historical incidents: the prisoner abuse by American guards at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and the Tian’anmen Square protest in China. Created using handmade etching and print, Han Tao’s views are articulated explicitly in the unique woodcut works. Audiences are struck by the direct visualization of the human rights violations in the form of physical and psychological abuse. Although set in different political systems and times, power and violence persist and Han Tao sets about reflecting this direct influence of political power on people.

The evocation of violence stresses continuity with his earlier works. Often choosing subjects that are avoided by artists, Han Tao’s works are confrontational but sincere as the artist negotiates social events that have left indelible marks on humanity. Rather than merely displaying violence, Han Tao reproduces the helplessness and powerless feeling of a spectator through his works, exposing the scars caused by power and violence.

Is he an observer, a recorder or activist? Sunjin Galleries is proud to present a rare exhibition of the works of a respected artist whose works are often forbidden to display and censored for touching on sensitive issues.