Zhang Xiao (photographer)

Zhang Xiao (born 1981) is a contemporary Chinese photographer known for his documentation of the rapidly changing social and physical landscapes of China. His work often explores themes of urbanization, industrialization, and the resulting cultural shifts.

Zhang Xiao is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts at Sichuan University, where he studied architecture before transitioning to photography. His early projects focused on his hometown of Yantai, Shandong Province, documenting the lives of its inhabitants and the transformation of its urban environment.

He gained significant recognition for his series "They" (2006-2009), which captured portraits of seemingly ordinary people in China, providing a glimpse into the diverse lives and experiences of a nation undergoing rapid change. This series was exhibited widely and helped establish Zhang Xiao as a leading figure in contemporary Chinese photography.

Another notable project, "Coastline" (2009-2013), examines the coastal regions of China, highlighting the environmental impact of industrial development and the resulting displacement of communities. This work showcases his ability to combine documentary photography with a more poetic and artistic sensibility.

Zhang Xiao's work has been exhibited internationally at museums and galleries, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to photography. He is considered an important voice in documenting the social and cultural complexities of modern China. His photographs are held in the collections of prominent institutions, including the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.