Zhao Zhao (Chinese, b.1982) is a very bold and innovative Chinese conceptual artist. In his paintings, sculptures and videos Zhao addresses realities in China, as well as documenting his life and lives of people close to him. He earned his BFA from the Xinjiang Institute of Arts, Department of Oil Painting in 2004. After graduating, Zhao was persuaded by his mentor to set aside oil painting and instead assist him with conceptual and documentary projects. Zhao Zhao soon discovered performance as a medium aptly suited to expressing his concerns. In addition to create social critical art works, Zhao transforms public events into personal and individual ones. He uses art to engage people and trigger direct reactions and processes that heighten self-consciousness. Playfully and provocatively, Zhao questions art as an established system – a stance with a particular poignancy in the context of the Chinese market. His pieces are often inspired by serendipity, evoking art history allusions, or presenting classic parables of socio-political events. In 2008 Zhao had his first solo show at the China Art Archives and Warehouse. Show was well visited and he was invited to participate in group exhibitions increasingly often. Zhao’s second solo show was held at the Alexander Ochs Gallery in Berlin in 2011 and featured dozens of scattered, independent oil paintings.