Born in Harbin, 1977, Hu Xiaoyuan currently lives and works in Beijing. She studied communication design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China, and graduated in 2002. Hu often abstracts from specific experiences, bases on speculation and implicit conflicts, and then applies subtle observations imprinted with specific experiences into sensitive control of matter, materials, and media. This sensitivity derives not only from her humble experience of daily life, but also from her philosophical thinking on abstract issues such as meaning and concepts, in an attempt to find an imperceptible and non-constant nature of existence. Through the rich expression of various mediums such as video, installation, sculpture and painting, the artist combines her own inner consciousness, knowledge and narrative to discuss issues related to the abstraction of existence such as time and space, reality, migration and travel, and implicit balance.

Important shows Hu has taken part in include: “Paths in the Sand” (West Bund Museum, Shanghai, 2022); M+ Sigg Collection: From Revolution to Globalisation (M+, Hong Kong, 2021); “Up Heavel” (Kunsthalle Mannheim, Mannheim, 2020); “The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China” (LACMA, Los Angeles, 2019); the 9th Taipei Biennial “The Great Acceleration” (Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, 2014); “A Potent Force” (Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai, 2013); the 2nd New Museum Triennial “The Ungovernables” (New Museum, New York, 2012); Documenta 12 (2007). Her works have also been presented in important venues, including Palais de Tokyo, Bonniers Konsthall, Kunsthaus Graz, Tampa Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Joan Miró Foundation, Bildmuseet, Power Station of Art, UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Red-brick Art Museum, M WOODS 798, etc. In 2018, Flash Art Books published States of tension, an English monograph on the work of Hu, featuring an essay by Nicolas Bourriaud. In 2019, Hu was nominated for the first Sigg Prize presented by M+, Hong Kong.