Explore The Work Of Cui Xiuwen

Saturated with cultural identity and designed to take us on a journey, the Australia China Art Foundation (ACAF) Project Space Melbourne brings to life the intimate works of photography and new media artist Cui Xiuwen.

As the fourth exhibition to take place in the ACAF Project Space Melbourne, Xiuwen's work 'IU You & Me' explores the creative process over time, as well the concept of the passage of time and our relationship to it. It spans a decade of her practice (2003-2103).

The ten pieces evolve from photographic artwork of a young Chinese girl into video projections that lose her figure altogether. These are said to be less about the figure itself and more about her increasing alienation, desensitisation and separation from the world as we know it.

Cui Xiuwen, SANJIE, Photography, 2003, 560x97.04cm

The young girls image references iconography and ideologies from both Chinese and Western religious thought. It also underscores the uneasy negotiation of gender roles; innocent and sexualised, objectified and empowered, involved and detached.

Overall, the exhibit's manipulation of traditional Chinese images with strong underlying messages makes for one powerful and thought provoking collection.

ACAF aim to generate a vital network of creative exchange and build a reciprocal awareness of culture and values, through art.

To find out more visit the foundation's website. The ACAF Project Space is located at 164 High St Prahan; the exhibition will run until November 2.