2002~2009
Exploring the Psyche Through an Alter Ego
From 2003 to 2009, Cui Xiuwen shifted from addressing social conditions and female sexuality to exploring the inner psyche through conceptual photography. Using models and dolls as alter egos – both for herself and women more broadly – she examined themes of innocence, history, and cultural memory. Her work alternates between symbolizing the existence of modern Chinese women and serving as a deeply personal exploration of her own identity.
The Three Realms (Sanjie), 2009
Medium: digital color coupler print
Size: 40.6 x 139.7 cm.
Medium: digital color coupler print
Size: 40.6 x 139.7 cm.
Angel
Chromogenic print
168 x 210 cm
Chromogenic print
52 x 249 cm
Chromogenic print
90.1 x 179.7 cm
Chromogenic Print
60.24 x 114.17 in
Chromogenic Print
100 x 150 cm
Chromogenic Print
290 x 164 cm
Chromogenic Print
53.5 x 598.5 cm
Chromogenic Print
149.9 x 149.9 cm
Chromogenic Print
180 x 93 cm
Chromogenic Print
251.5 x 179.7 cm
Chromogenic Print
119 × 100 cm
Chromogenic Print
110 x 39.70 cm
Chromogenic Print
131 x 110.5 cm
Chromogenic Print
36.8 x 50.8 cm
Chromogenic print
117 x 400 cm
Chromogenic print
78 x 500 cm
Chromogenic print
85 x 450 cm
Chromogenic print
176 x 300 cm
Chromogenic print
87 x 200 cm
Chromogenic print
112 x 450 cm
Chromogenic print
199 x 161 cm
Chromogenic print
240 x 148 cm
Chromogenic print
240 x 145 cm
Chromogenic print
188 x 171 cm
Chromogenic print
39 x 200 cm
Chromogenic print
105 x 300 cm
Chromogenic print
132 x 400 cm
Chromogenic print
36 x 400 cm
Chromogenic print
100 x 400 cm
Chromogenic print
117 x 300 cm
Chromogenic print
107 x 450 cm
Chromogenic print
96 x 200 cm
Chromogenic print
188 x 171 cm
Chromogenic print
95 x 300 cm
Through recurring themes of duality and the tension between self and society, Cui Xiuwen’s Angel and Existential Emptiness offer a nuanced critique of identity and existence within the contexts of history, cultural memory, and introspection.