Zhang Dali

Born ni 1963 in Beijing, Zhang Dali is a committed contemporary artist. After obtaining a diploma from the National School of Fine Arts, he moved to Italy and experimented with the art of graffiti. He retained this experience and on his return became one of the leaders of Chinese graffiti. The artist signs his pieces as AK 47, making reference to the Soviet gun, a symbol of the violence inflicted on the population of Beijing. His second signature 18K, for 18 carats, incarnates the hope of new Chinese prosperity.

His 2000 giant self-portraits, associated with the Chai character (represents the demolition of the city) these giant portraits were displayed in the Chinese capital between 1995 and 1998 and made him internationally renowned. His cry against the demolition of old Beijing went across the borders. In his collection named "Demolition", he removes parts of the walls to unveil a hidden vision. Zhang Dali is a pioneer of artistic interventions through public space in China. His emblematic pieces, Chinese Offspring, depict 100 human sized resin models. Placed upside down, Zhang Dali deprives them of freedom in support of the immigrant workers in China. The artist highlights the victims, the vestiges, the ruins and the ruined of the history. The isolated of history find a sencond life and recover a little bit of visibility. His commitment become clear with his words " I think human beings are the product of their environments. I am concerned about the changes in our environment imposed by money and power."

His work has been exhibited all around the world in some of the most famous institutions, including the MOMA(Museum of Modern Art) of New York. He has been invited to the Photographic Encounters in Arles.