Cang Xin

Cang Xin (臧鑫, born 1967) is a contemporary performance artist and photographer from China. He is known for his provocative and often controversial works that explore themes of identity, social commentary, and the rapidly changing landscape of modern China.

Cang Xin rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of the "Beijing East Village" art community, a group of avant-garde artists pushing boundaries and challenging traditional artistic norms. His work often involves his own body and explores notions of the self in relation to cultural and political contexts.

One of Cang Xin's most recognized series is "To Add One Meter to An Anonymous Mountain," in which he and other artists licked various surfaces, including walls, floors, and people. This performance and the subsequent photographs were interpreted as a commentary on the artist's desire to connect with and understand the world around him through direct physical engagement. It also sparked debate about the boundaries of art and the role of the artist in society.

His work often utilizes elements of absurdity and humor to address serious issues, such as the impact of globalization and the loss of cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing China. Cang Xin's art challenges viewers to question their perceptions and to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition.

Cang Xin continues to exhibit his work internationally and remains a significant figure in the development of contemporary Chinese art.