WANG NINGDE

Wang Ningde was born in Liaoning Province, China in 1972. His life is book-ended by two of the most tumultuous periods in China's recent history: he grew up in the 1970's as China opened its borders to a flood of imported goods and ideas, and today he works in an environment of unprecedented economic and cultural growth. He is a prominent figure among a generation of impressive young Chinese photographers. In his hauntingly striking black and white photographs, he captures the tension between an ever-changing contemporary China and the always-present memory of the Cultural Revolution.

Wang Ningde is one of the most famous Chinese contemporary photographers today. Wang Ningde was selected in 2005 to participate in an exhibition which was shown at London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Asia Society and Museum in New York, Smart Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Seattle Art Museum, The House of World Cultures in Berlin.

Wang Ningde photography is silent and peaceful. His signature trademark is figures with their eyes closed, which makes the viewers pause and meditate. Few Chinese artists are able to capture people's attention without shocking them like Wang Ningde.